Senior Flight Software Engineer

Katalyst Space; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock options

Relocation bonus

Comprehensive medical, vision, dental

Job summary

Katalyst Space seeks a seasoned software engineer to advance embedded flight software for robotic spacecraft. You’ll own software that enables rendezvous, pose estimation, and hardware interfaces, working in a demanding, high-stakes environment.

We value deep technical mastery in embedded C/C++, RTOS/Linux, and end-to-end feature leadership. Expect extended hours, a competitive compensation package, and opportunities to impact critical space missions.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of software development experience, including embedded or real-time systems.
• Experience with flight software for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or autonomous systems.
• Deep understanding of software architecture and system-level integration for complex embedded systems.
• Familiarity with fault-tolerant design, redundancy management, and robust error handling.

Responsibilities

• Support spacecraft flight test by executing fault detection and test campaigns, and verification tests.
• Build understanding of rendezvous, capture, and pose estimation software; assist HITL testbed integration.
• Develop and maintain software interfacing to spacecraft hardware using UART, TCP/IP, CAN.
• Document hardware interface APIs for internal and external users.
• Review and contribute to code and subsystem design reviews with technical rigor.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Systems thinking

Embedded C/C++

RTOS/Embedded Linux

Code reviews/technical leadership

Git-based version control/CI-CD

Agile practices

Attention to detail

Education

B.S. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

Tools

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands‑on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

What You’ll Do

• Support spacecraft flight test by executing fault detection test campaigns, integrated system communication tests, functional and performance verification tests, and flight software sequencing tests
• Build an understanding of spacecraft rendezvous, capture, and pose estimation software and assist in its integration into multi-axis hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) spacecraft testbed.
• Develop and maintain existing software to interface to spacecraft hardware subsystems, utilizing communication standards such as UART, TCP/IP, and CAN.
• Document custom hardware interface APIs for internal and external users, focusing on hardware functionality and reliability features.
• Review and contribute to the iteration of other engineers’ code with technical rigor through code reviews and subsystem design reviews.

What We’re Looking For

• Deep analytical thinking and excellent problem solving: You are able to work through intricate technical issues efficiently.
• Systems-thinking mindset: You understand how software interacts with spacecraft systems and mission requirements.
• Technical mastery: Deep proficiency in embedded C/C++ development for real-time or resource‑constrained systems.
• Strong attention to detail: You approach their work with rigor and with an understanding and consideration of relevant edge cases could affect on‑orbit performance.

Your Ideal Background

• B.S. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of software development experience, including embedded or real‑time systems
• High proficiency in C/C++ for embedded platforms
• Proven experience developing software in RTOS and/or embedded Linux environments
• Experience with flight software for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or other mission‑or safety‑critical autonomous systems
• Deep understanding of software architecture, interface definition, and system‑level integration for complex embedded systems
• Familiarity with fault‑tolerant system design, redundancy management, and robust error handling
• Experience designing and implementing algorithms for visual inspection, object detection, pose estimation, and relative navigation, including robotics or autonomous system computer vision pipelines.
• Proficiency with Git‑based version control, CI/CD pipelines, and agile software development practices
• Demonstrated ability to technically lead features or subsystems end‑to‑end, from requirements definition through implementation, testing, and integration

Additional Requirements

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:

Your base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $150,000 - $190,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.