Lead Spacecraft Software Systems Engineer

Schmidt Entities; Edison (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Schmidt Entities in California is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Software Systems Engineer to lead the definition, coordination, verification, and delivery of spacecraft software systems for advanced observatory missions.

The role focuses on design maturity, AI & T, launch readiness, commissioning, and operations, while establishing software systems engineering practices for future missions. Hands-on flight software work and vendor oversight are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant technical field is required.
• Extensive experience with spacecraft flight software and embedded systems is essential.
• Hands-on experience with scripting, test automation, and software integration is required.
• Proven ability to own requirements and maintain traceability across complex interfaces.
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++ is highly desirable.
• Experience with simulations, flatsats, and validation environments is expected.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical owner for spacecraft software systems across flight software, CWDI/telemetry, and onboard autonomy.
• Define and maintain spacecraft software requirements and verification plans.
• Ensure traceability across mission, spacecraft, bus, payload, ICDs, and verification products.
• Identify software risks, gaps, ambiguities, and non-compliances.
• Lead or support FDIR architecture, fault-management verification, and mode transitions.
• Support software integration, testing tools, and validation activities in flatsats, simulators, and EGSE.
• Coordinate with vendor teams to ensure software deliveries meet mission requirements and schedules.
• Develop and release command/telemetry dictionaries and interface definitions.

Skills

Flight software

Embedded systems

Scripting

Test automation

Python

C

C++

Requirements ownership

Interface discipline

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline

Tools

Flatsats

Emulators/Simulators

EGSE

Mission operations testbeds

Job description

Schmidt Entities in California is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Software Systems Engineer to lead the definition, coordination, verification, and delivery of spacecraft software systems for advanced observatory missions.

The role focuses on design maturity, AI & T, launch readiness, commissioning, and operations, while establishing software systems engineering practices for future missions. Hands-on flight software work and vendor oversight are expected.