Flight Software Engineer
Job description
Flight Software Engineer at The Exploration Company, developing and owning core flight software modules for the Nyx reusable orbital vehicle. The role involves designing, implementing, and testing mission-critical systems for safe, autonomous spaceflight operations.
At a glance
- Work mode
- Remote
What you'll do
- 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 & 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
Benefits
- Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable
Apply
Direct apply at The Exploration Company
Opens the job posting at The Exploration Company
About The Exploration Company
Building spacecrafts for humanity
The Exploration Company is developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular, reusable orbital vehicle for space missions to stations and beyond. Nyx is engineered with the capability to transport cargo and, in the future, humans.
Mission
Developing, producing, and operating Nyx - a modular, reusable orbital vehicle for space missions to stations and beyond, capable of transporting cargo and, in the future, humans.
Key facts
- Spacecraft / aerospace
- Developing Nyx, a modular, reusable orbital vehicle
- Nyx can transport cargo and, in the future, humans
- Partners with Zinc Work Limited (UK) for background checks
Partners & customers
What they value
- Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
- Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
- We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space