Flight Software Architect

Axiom Space; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space in Houston is seeking an experienced Flight Software Architect to lead the development of robust, safety-critical software systems for space applications. This role involves defining software architectures, collaborating with teams, and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, along with 15+ years of experience in aerospace software development, particularly with flight control systems. Join Axiom Space in pioneering the future of human space exploration.

Qualifications

• 15+ years' experience in mission critical software development, preferably in aerospace.
• Experience designing, deploying and supporting flight control systems.
• Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.

Responsibilities

• Define flight software architectures for safety-critical software systems.
• Collaborate to ensure software products meet safety-critical standards.
• Oversee development of fault tolerant flight software for autonomous space vehicles.

Skills

Embedded systems architectures

Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

C/C++

Rust for safety-critical systems

Network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP)

Software development in Linux environments

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Axiom Space is a human space exploration company, building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions that will empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow. Today, guided by the vision of leading humanity's expansion off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and beyond. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com.

Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Flight Software Architect who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

Position Summary

We are looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced Flight Software Architect with deep technical expertise in systems-level thinking and a background in aerospace domain knowledge who will be responsible for architecting our aerospace software applications for the Axiom Space Commercial Space program in Houston, TX. Candidates with a solid foundation in translating mission requirements into software architecture are encouraged to apply.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Define flight software architectures to build robust real-time safety-critical software systems.
• Collaborate with teams to define software requirements, architectures, and designs and lead verification, to ensure software products meet requirements and safety-critical standards.
• Oversee development of fault tolerant flight software responsible for the overall command and control of an autonomous space vehicle.
• Oversee efforts to integrate software components, create and run unit tests, validate on Hardware-in-the-Loop and release real-time embedded solutions.
• Lead and contribute to technical documentation for architecture, design, verification plans.
• This is a technical leadership role with no direct reports.
• Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
• Implement and maintain agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/ or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, or Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years’ experience in mission critical software development, preferably in aerospace.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience designing, deploying and supporting flight control systems (or similar complexity).
• Experience in development of real-time embedded system, including system design, analysis, development, implementation, integration, verification, qualification, and release.
• Experience in build automation, continuous integration, configuration management, verification, deployment of software.
• Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
• Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges.
• Proven to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines.

Skills

• Familiarity with embedded systems architectures (bare-metal & RTOS-based systems)
• Familiarity with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
• Understanding of C/C++, Rust for safety-critical systems
• Familiarity with flight software design for spacecraft, launch vehicles, UAVs, or avionics
• Strong understanding of network protocols, including TCP/IP and UDP
• Familiarity with spacecraft communications protocols is preferred
• Knowledge of redundancy management & high-reliability architectures
• Exposure to software development in Linux environments
• Experience supporting aerospace or defense programs

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Technical Rigor
• Execution Discipline
• Pride of Delivery

Work Environment

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements

• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones

Physical Requirements

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time)
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)
• Equipment and Machines
• Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.)

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.