Senior Core Software Engineer

Lunar Outpost; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Lunar Outpost in Golden, CO, is seeking a Senior Core Software Engineer to lead NASA cFS-based flight software efforts for real‑time space robotics. You will design and implement embedded software for mission-critical systems and mentor engineers on cFS best practices.

You will collaborate with hardware and systems teams, develop drivers, support HIL testing, and ensure safety and reliability for crewed and autonomous operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in embedded software or avionics for space or mission-critical robotics.
• Experience with RTOS (VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RTEMS or similar).
• Proficiency in C for embedded systems and NASA cFS or similar architectures.
• Understanding of real-time scheduling, interrupts, memory constraints.
• U.S. Person.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded and flight software for real-time systems.
• Implement software on RTOS platforms (VxWorks, RTEMS, or similar).
• Support flight software applications, including telemetry/command handling.
• Develop and integrate device drivers and hardware abstraction layers.
• Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to integrate software with embedded platforms.
• Assist with system integration, testing, and validation incl. HIL environments.
• Debug and troubleshoot issues related to performance, timing, and system interaction.
• Contribute to documentation, including design descriptions and test procedures.

Skills

C for embedded systems

RTOS-based systems

NASA cFS

Real-time scheduling

System integration & testing

Telemetry/command processing

Robotics/space avionics

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer or electrical engineering

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are currently seeking a Senior Core Software Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. The main responsibility of the Senior Core Software Engineer is to act as a subject matter expert in NASA core flight system (cFS) services and application development for mission-critical space robotics. They will lead cFS development efforts and mentor engineers on cFS best practices, ensuring the system meets stringent real-time, safety, and reliability requirements for crewed and autonomous space operations.

Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded and flight software for real-time systems
• Implement software on RTOS-based platforms (e.g., VxWorks, RTEMS, or similar)
• Support development of flight software applications, including command/telemetry handling and system control logic
• Develop and integrate device drivers and hardware abstraction layers
• Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to integrate software with embedded platforms
• Assist with system integration, testing, and validation, including simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments
• Debug and troubleshoot issues related to performance, timing, and system interaction
• Contribute to documentation, including design descriptions and test procedures

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering or related field
• 3+ years in embedded software or avionics systems for space or mission-critical robotics applications
• Experience with RTOS-based systems (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RTEMS, or similar)
• Understanding of real-time systems concepts (task scheduling, interrupts, memory constraints)
• Experience with software integration and testing on hardware platforms
• Proficiency in C for embedded systems
• Experience with flight software frameworks such as NASA cFS or similar architectures
• Familiarity with spacecraft data handling, telemetry/command processing, and networking
• Experience with robotics platforms for planetary exploration, surface mobility, or space station operations
• Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with device driver development or board support packages (BSPs)
• Experience working with simulation tools or hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Knowledge of fault-tolerant or safety-critical software design principles
• Experience with GNC software integration in robotic or spacecraft systems
• Prior work with crewed vehicle avionics architecture or planetary robotics
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and task planning

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.