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Principal Flight Software Engineer Verified today

The Exploration Company · Munich, Germany · Software · first seen 2026-07-16
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About the role

The Exploration Company is building innovative aerospace technologies for space transportation. We are seeking an experienced Principal Flight Software Engineer to lead development of the flight software stack for Nyx. You will guide a team of engineers in building and validating the software systems that control and operate the spacecraft from launch to docking, re-entry, and recovery.

You will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership to deliver high-reliability software under tight mission timelines. Your decisions on architecture, testing standards, and cross-functional integration directly influence mission success.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a high-performing team of flight software engineers in design, implementation, testing, and integration of spacecraft software.
  • Own the technical roadmap and execution for flight software, including architecture, modularity, and interfaces across avionics and vehicle subsystems.
  • Set high standards for code quality, test coverage, simulation fidelity, and system robustness.
  • Drive development in modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and Python for safe and efficient spacecraft operations in real-time environments.
  • Oversee development of test infrastructure, including unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to ensure flight readiness.
  • Collaborate with systems engineering, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and mission operations teams to define requirements, resolve interface challenges, and validate end-to-end behavior.
  • Participate in and lead code reviews, software audits, flight software simulations, and mission rehearsals.

What we're looking for

  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and Python.
  • Experience with real-time systems, embedded development, or spacecraft software.
  • Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex technical problems and drive them to resolution.
  • Familiarity with software testing methodologies and simulation tools.
  • Excellent cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration skills.
  • Good understanding of math and physics.
  • Focus on detail, quality, and testing.
  • Experience with CI/CD systems and build systems.

Nice to have

  • Knowledge of safety critical and real-time critical software and familiarity with RTOS.
  • Understanding of communication protocols such as TCP/IP, UART, CAN Bus and serialization.
  • Experience with automotive or flight software frameworks.
  • Background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, or space mission lifecycle.
  • Experience with industry standards such as AUTOSAR, ECSS, DO-178.