Launch Vehicle Software Engineer

X-Bow Systems; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

X-Bow Systems in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Launch Vehicle Software Engineer to join the flight software team responsible for solid propellant launch vehicles from concept through flight operations.

The role focuses on embedded software development, real-time OS integration, hardware interfaces, and verification across HWIL labs, with collaboration across small teams. Candidates must be able to work with limited supervision in a dynamic defense/aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a software/CS/EE field is required.
• Experience in embedded aerospace software development is required.
• Proficiency with real-time operating systems and device drivers is essential.

Responsibilities

• Define flight software requirements and modular architecture for the launch vehicle family.
• Configure computing hardware, OS, and libraries for trade studies.
• Develop interfaces to sensors, actuators, radios, FPGAs, and power bus controllers.
• Develop flight software and perform verification across systems.
• Standardize software validation and verification methodologies.
• Contribute to hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) lab design and setup.
• Support launch vehicle integration, testing, and flight operations.
• Develop software for Electrical Ground Support Equipment.

Skills

Embedded software

C/C++

RTOS experience

Serial communications

Version control

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Bachelors in Software Eng/CS/EE

Education

Bachelors in Software Eng / CS / EE

Tools

Git

Confluence/Jira

Job description

X-Bow Systems is a cutting-edge aerospace technology company focused on revolutionizing propulsion systems for space exploration and defense applications. Our team of innovative engineers and scientists is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in rocket propulsion. As we continue to expand our operations, we are seeking a talented and driven Launch Vehicle Software Engineer to join our team.

Job Description:

X-Bow Systems is looking to fill a Launch VehicleSoftware Engineer position to join the flight software team for X-Bow's family of solid propellant launch vehicles from initial concept and requirements definition, through implementation, testing, and flight operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Flight software requirements definition and modular architecture development
• Selection and configuration of computing hardware, operating system, external libraries, and other hardware/software trade studies
• Implementation of software/middleware interfaces to communicate with devices such as sensors, actuators, radios, FPGAs/microprocessors, and power bus controllers.
• Flight software development and implementation
• Software Validation and Verification Methodologies standardization
• Participate in design and standup of hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) lab
• Support launch vehicle integration, test, and flight operations
• Electrical Ground Support Equipment software development and implementation

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of directly related industry experience
• Background in embedded software engineering for aerospace applications
• C/C++ preferred
• Ability to identify and tailor appropriate computing hardware for the application
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (FREERTOS, Zephyr, VxWorks, Green Hills Integrity)
• Experience creating software interfaces and device drivers for serial communications (RS-232/422/485), Ethernet (TCP/UDP), and other communication interfaces
• Software Unit Test Suites
• Version control (git, svn, or similar. Git preferred)
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems during operational events
• Ability to work in small collaborative teams, turning high level goals into detailed designs and operational products
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Ability to complete assignments with little or no supervision
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment

Additional Attributes that will be Considered for Position Selection:

• Experience with Atlassian software - Confluence and Jira
• Demonstrated past ownership of embedded aerospace software through entire life cycle
• Avionics systems engineering experience
• Experience developing simulation environments for flight software test campaigns
• Desire to support or own other key launch vehicle systems which require similar capabilities, including:
• Experience with Launch Vehicle Avionics (Flight Computers, Navigation Hardware, Power, etc.)

Additional Information:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.