Flight Software Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

The Mission

Space is the bleeding edge for humanity's next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires infrastructure that makes orbit as accessible and reliable as air travel. At Lux Aeterna, we're building that future by developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability - transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce.

The Opportunity

We're seeking an experienced Flight Software Engineer to develop and validate the software that will command our revolutionary reusable satellite platform. You'll build safety-critical systems that operate autonomously in the harshest environment known to humanity, and own the testing strategy to ensure they work flawlessly in orbit and during atmospheric reentry. This is a unique opportunity to :

Develop flight software architecture for autonomous spacecraft operations

Build real-time embedded systems that control everything from propulsion to payload operations

Design and implement comprehensive testing strategies for safety-critical code

Create fault-tolerant software that handles the unexpected in orbit and during reentry

Join a rapidly growing team with the resources to tackle ambitious technical challenges

Why Lux Aeterna?

Pioneering Technology : We're developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, fundamentally transforming space from a one-way journey to a two-way trade route

Real Impact : Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research, and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructure

Speed & Autonomy : We maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standards

World-Class Team : Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity's access to space

The Role

You'll own flight software development and validation for our reusable satellite platform.

Architect and implement flight software for spacecraft operations

Develop Linux-based software for avionics, propulsion, thermal, and payload subsystems

Build autonomous decision-making algorithms for mission-critical operations

Create robust fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) software

Design and implement spacecraft-to-ground communication protocols and telemetry systems

Architect distributed flight software systems across multiple spacecraft subsystems

Architect and build comprehensive software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test frameworks

Develop test automation pipelines and validate flight software across all subsystems

Work with security-hardened systems for spacecraft command and data integrity

Support integration, testing, and on-orbit commissioning of flight software

Collaborate with GNC, avionics, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless system integration

Required Qualifications

B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field

5+ years of experience developing flight software for spacecraft or safety-critical systems

Expert proficiency in C / C++ for flight software development

Strong experience developing Linux-based flight software for satellites or embedded systems

Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or similar

Strong understanding of embedded systems constraints : memory, processing, and power limitations

Experience designing and implementing automated test frameworks (unit, integration, system)

Demonstrated expertise building SIL and HITL test environments

Proficiency with version control (Git), CI / CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks

Desired Experience

M.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field

Experience with spacecraft flight software development and space-rated processors

Proficiency in Rust for embedded systems

Knowledge of DO-178C, NASA-STD-8739.8, or similar safety-critical software standards

Familiarity with CAN bus, RS-422, and other spacecraft communication protocols

Experience with Linux kernel development or real-time Linux variants (PREEMPT_RT)

Experience with distributed systems design and inter-process communication

Experience with formal verification methods and static analysis tools

Background in fault-tolerant computing and redundancy management

Expertise in test frameworks (Google Test, Catch2, or similar)

Experience with simulation tools and physics engines for spacecraft modeling

Prior work with autonomous systems and machine learning on embedded platforms

Contributions to open-source aerospace or robotics projects

Location & Work

We are based in Denver, CO and believe in the power of in-person collaboration. We are onsite 5 days / week by default, but flexible when life requires it.

Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. To comply with U.S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” under 22 C.F.R. §120.62 or who otherwise may lawfully receive such access.

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