Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

We’re partnering with an ambitious aerospace startup building spacecraft and mission-critical systems for orbital and suborbital operations. They are developing foundational software that powers flight, ground, and operations systems for their vehicles. They are now hiring a Senior Software Engineer (Backend) to design and implement the core software architecture, bridging Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems with flight and operations software. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who thrives on complex, embedded systems and wants to make a lasting impact on spacecraft technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect, design, and develop the complete software stack for spacecraft missions, including flight, ground, and operations systems.

• Serve as the primary technical interface between GNC and software teams, integrating GNC algorithms into flight software.

• Write high-quality software for embedded processors using C/C++, including bare metal, RTOS, and Linux-based systems.

• Develop low-level drivers to interface with vehicle sensors and actuators.

• Own the entire software lifecycle, from initial design and architecture to SITL/HITL testing and system integration.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets reliability, performance, and compliance requirements.

Key Qualifications:

• 6–15 years of experience in backend or embedded software engineering, ideally within aerospace or high-reliability systems.

• Professional experience building flight or embedded software for hardware that has flown or been integrated into space-bound systems.

• Experience integrating GNC algorithms into flight software or working closely with GNC teams.

• Prior experience as a technical lead, architect, or manager, with a strong desire to return to hands-on individual contributor work.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Proficiency in C/C++ and Linux for embedded systems.

• Experience with RTOS, bare metal programming, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testing.

• Familiarity with FAA Part 450 compliance.

• Strong ownership mindset: able to independently manage a domain end-to-end while knowing when to escalate.