Flight Software Architect

Axiom Space; United States; On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space is seeking an experienced Flight Software Architect to lead the design of aerospace software applications for its Commercial Space program. Located in Houston, TX, this role involves defining flight software architectures and ensuring safety-critical software systems meet rigorous standards.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and over 15 years of experience in mission-critical software development, particularly in the aerospace sector. Technical skills in C/C++, Rust, and embedded systems are essential.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in mission‑critical software development, preferably in aerospace.
• Experience designing, deploying, and supporting flight control systems or similar complexity.
• Ability to deliver high‑quality results under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Define flight software architectures for real‑time safety‑critical software systems.
• Lead verification to ensure software products meet requirements and safety standards.
• Oversee development of fault‑tolerant flight software.

Skills

C/C++

Rust

Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

Embedded systems architectures

Network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field

Tools

Linux environments

Job description

Overview

Axiom Space is a human space exploration company building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions to empower civilization to transcend Earth. We are the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon 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 aerospace domain knowledge to architect 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.

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.
• Communicate 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

Educational and experience requirements:

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

Technical skills:

• Familiarity with embedded systems architectures (bare‑metal & RTOS‑based systems).
• Familiarity with Real‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
• Understanding of C/C++ and 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 and Requirements

• Generally an office environment, but may involve inside or outside work depending on the task.
• 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 U.S. Permanent Residency is required.
• 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.)

Equal Opportunity

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, 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.