Space Kinetic Corp.

Space Kinetic Corp.

Lead Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, California · Mid

No sponsorship$220k-$275kDetected 14 hours ago
PythonC++Code ReviewLinuxCybersecurityEmbedded SystemsMIL-STDDO-178Systems EngineeringRoboticsElectrical EngineeringLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationProblem Solving

About the role

  • This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week.
  • In this position, you will be responsible for low-level and high-level software in Space Kinetic's products through all phases of the development process.
  • If you're driven to succeed in this role, even if your background doesn't fully align with every qualification, we want your application.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of space Kinetic flight software architecture, including guidance, navigation, control (GNC), telemetry, command, and fault management systems.
  • Develop robust, real-time, and fault-tolerant software using C/C++ and/or Rust in embedded or RTOS environments.
  • Perform software design reviews, code reviews, and verification activities to ensure safety, reliability, and performance compliance with space flight standards (e.g., NASA NPR, ECSS, DO-178C).
  • Support spacecraft-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight simulation testing environments.
  • As a Lead, you will be responsible for software designs from concept through production, including product roadmaps, block diagrams, detailed design and coding, analysis, test and qualification.
  • The Lead Software Engineer will serve as the technical leader for the development, integration, and validation of Space Kinetic's electromechanical system.

Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
  • 10 years of experience developing embedded or real-time software for space, aerospace, robotics, or mission-critical systems.
  • Proven experience leading software development through all phases of the system lifecycle-from requirements through flight operations.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++, with working knowledge of Python or scripting languages for automation and testing.
  • Familiarity with RTOS, bare-metal programming, or Linux-based embedded systems.
  • The ideal candidate possesses deep experience in embedded real-time systems, software reliability, and spacecraft operations.
  • Experience with simulation environments and ground software integration.
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder).
  • Experience with flight software frameworks (e.g., NASA cFS, F' FPrime, or custom architectures).

Compensation

  • $220,000 - $275,000 USD
  • The annual base salary for this role is below.

Benefits

  • Equity-Based Compensation
  • Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure

Company info

  • Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations - one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different - an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures - where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.
  • This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.
  • Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations - one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel.
  • In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different - an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on.
  • Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures - where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.
  • Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.
  • The Lead Flight Software Enginee r will be required to work in a fast-paced prototyping environment with an aggressive schedule toward flight and should have experience and a general understanding of spaceflight payloads.
  • This role is responsible for the architecture, design, and implementation of mission-critical software that enables spacecraft control, autonomy, communication, and safety.

Equal opportunity

  • Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
  • The annual base salary for this role is below.
  • Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.
  • Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • citizen or national, (ii) U
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This listing is sourced directly from Space Kinetic Corp.'s careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.