Senior System Software Engineer

Our clientis building a mission-driven team committed to delivering space-based solar power to the world. They uniquely operate at the intersection of space and clean energy.Location: Hybrid Ashburn, VASalary: $130,000-175,000Candidate must meet ITAR requirementsAre you energized by the challenge of building both software systems and teams? As a systems programmer Senior Software Engineer you will write mission-critical code while helping establish engineering excellence and best practices. Youll develop software for our hardware systems while collaborating with and mentoring other engineers. Initially, you will focus on delivering code for our record-breaking test campaign in early 2025 while helping strengthen our development practices. Following the test campaign, youll turn your focus to helping with our future satellite flight software and its integration with hardware systems in space and on the ground. Your work will enable us to build a constellation of next-generation satellites at unprecedented affordability and scale.Responsibilities:Design and build well-structured, maintainable Python-based control and coordination systems for safety-sensitive optical and mechanical hardware and other subsystemsDevelop a framework for continuous integration, delivery and deployment across satellite development and flight systemsDevelop embedded software for microcontrollers in C++ using RTOS that interact with satellite electronics via RS-422/485/232, CAN, I2C, GPIO, SPI, LVDS, etc.Develop test approach and test software for unit and system level validation and verification, as well as support of Processors-in-the-Loop, Hardware-in-the-Loop, and Software-in-the-Loop testbedsSupport development and implementation Ground Software and Mission Operations infrastructure especially in support of integration with broader system flight softwareWrite and review code and participate heavily in hands-on developmentParticipate in the entire software development lifecycle, from design through automated and manual testing and deploymentBuild and mentor a high-performing software team while supporting our hardware engineers in their development efforts and testsFoster a culture of open communication, continuous learning, and technical excellenceRequirements:3+ years of software engineering experience, with experience mentoring other engineers and contributing to technical directionFamiliarity with modern software development practices and tools (git, CI/CD, code review, etc.)A track record of technical excellence while also excelling at collaborative leadershipProficient in Python and MicroPython with extensive experience developing software with direct hardware interactionFamiliarity with multiple programming languages such as C, C++, and PythonExperience with serial communication protocols (e.g., UART, I2C, SPI)Experience with networking protocolsExperience testing code with hardware in the loop, and then automating those testsExperience with telemetry systems, data logging, and transmission over various channelsNice to have experience:Visual Studio CodeScientific Python (NumPy, Matplotlib, OpenCV, SymPy, Jupyter)MicroPython, Micropython.viperExperience with satellite or UAV flight software systemsExperience with supporting avionics design and development for aerospace applicationsExperience with IoT systemsExperience with safety-critical systemsExperience with Raspberry Pi 5 or similar single board computersFamiliarity with PID and other control systemsAerospace experience, especially with satellite flight or ground softwareBenefits: The health and safety of our employees and their families comes first. In addition to competitive salary and equity, we offer competitive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life coverage, Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, Health and Wellness stipend, and employer 401K matching. The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits at any time.ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Created: 2025-02-22