Flight Software Engineer

Argo; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Argo seeks a Flight Software Engineer to join the team building the software and simulation stack for its refuellable in-space transport vehicles. You will develop C/C++ flight applications, simulations, and hardware-in-the-loop tests, interfacing with avionics, propulsion, and GNC systems.

You will influence the spacecraft architecture and implement GNC algorithms in software that controls vehicle systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering.
• 3+ years designing flight software for spacecraft or similar systems.
• 6+ years designing complex software for embedded/time-sensitive environments.
• Experience with modeling and simulation; strong C/C++/Python skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Write rigorous, high performance code to support Argo’s high-deltaV, refuellable transport spacecraft.
• Drive rapid execution and iteration to put spacecraft in orbit quickly.
• Hands-on prototyping, integration, testing of simulations and flight algorithms; hardware-in-the-loop tests.
• Implement code to support development and testing of avionics, propulsion, and spacecraft systems.
• Negotiate requirements with deep understanding of mission objectives and provide alternatives.
• Conduct design reviews, test readiness reviews, and flight readiness reviews with emphasis on technical excellence.

Skills

C/C++/Python

Real-time systems

OS concepts

Networking protocols

Configuration management

Flight software

Education

Bachelor's degree (CS/Engineering)

Tools

ROS

NASA cFS

MAX

Job description

As a Flight Software Engineer at Argo, you will be a member of the team architecting the full software and simulation stack for Argo's refuellable in-space transport vehicles and other space and ground systems. You’ll develop C/C++ flight applications, simulations, hardware-in-the-loop tests, and interfaces to avionics, propulsion, and GNC systems. You will help drive the overall spacecraft system architecture, execute vehicle design and higher-level performance and communication system trade studies, and implement the spacecraft’s GNC algorithms into software that controls the vehicle systems. You will actively contribute to the full life cycle of software development at Argo, from early architectural decisions and design through to hardware in the loop testing, on-vehicle functionality, and flight operations. We are hiring for all experience levels, from entry to principal including leadership potential.

Responsibilities

• Write rigorous, high performance code to support Argo’s high-deltaV, refuellable transport spacecraft to make in-space transportation abundant and affordable
• Drive rapid execution and iteration efforts that put our spacecraft in orbit quickly
• Hands-on prototyping, integration, troubleshooting, and testing of simulations, flight algorithms, and hardware in the loop testing
• Implement rapidly developed code to support development and testing of avionics, propulsion, electromechanical, and other spacecraft systems
• Negotiate requirements by having a deep understanding of the company and mission objectives and providing alternative solutions
• Conduct design reviews, test readiness reviews, and flight readiness reviews with a heavy emphasis on technical excellence

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant computer science or engineering discipline
• Capable of maintaining flexibility in direction under changing circumstances
• Track record of delivering novel, excellent technical products
• Strong understanding of operating systems, data structures, networking protocols, communication standards, and computer architectures
• Understanding of modeling and simulation, and software development skills, particularly in C/C++/Python
• Proven system engineering and configuration management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• 3+ years of experience designing flight software for spacecraft or similar systems
• 6+ years of experience designing complex software that operate in novel time-sensitive and/or embedded environments (autonomous vehicles, drones, spacecraft, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in computer science, engineering or physics
• Experience writing code for real-time operating systems requiring execution at a deterministic rate
• Experience with existing spacecraft flight software frameworks such as ROS, NASA cFS, or MAX
• Experience in a start-up or fast-paced software development environment
• Experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and troubleshooting