Senior Flight Software Engineer Verified today
About the role
The Exploration Company is building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation. We are seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to join our team developing Nyx, taking full ownership of key components of the flight software stack.
You will design, implement, and test mission-critical systems that enable safe, autonomous, and reliable spaceflight operations. Your code will interface directly with vehicle avionics, guidance systems, propulsion, communications, and ground control. You will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where cross-functional integration is essential.
Key responsibilities
- Design, implement, and own core flight software modules for spacecraft control, telemetry, data handling, fault management, and communications.
- Develop in modern C++ and Python for support tooling, following best practices in software architecture, testing, and performance optimization.
- Build and maintain test frameworks for automated unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to validate software behavior across mission phases.
- Create and run high-fidelity simulations to model flight dynamics, subsystem interactions, and edge cases.
- Collaborate closely with GNC, avionics, propulsion, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless integration and mission success.
- Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and flight readiness assessments.
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.
- Good 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.
Why join us
- We make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind.
- We are transparent about risks and obstacles so we can cooperate to overcome them.
- We are democratising space with a rare opportunity to shape the future of space transportation.
Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate, including visa sponsorship where applicable. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.