Senior Flight Software Engineer

Lux Aeterna; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Lux Aeterna in Denver, CO is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to architect and validate software for our reusable satellite platform. You will build real-time, safety-critical systems and drive verification through SIL/HITL test frameworks.

The role requires deep experience in C/C++, Linux-based flight software, RTOS, and embedded systems, with familiarity in safety standards and automated testing.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience developing flight software for spacecraft or safety-critical systems.
• Expert proficiency in C/C++ for flight software development.
• Strong experience developing Linux-based flight software for satellites or embedded systems.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement flight software for spacecraft operations.
• Develop Linux-based software for avionics, propulsion, thermal, and payload subsystems.
• Build autonomous decision-making algorithms for mission-critical operations.
• Create robust fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) software.
• Design and implement spacecraft-to-ground communication protocols and telemetry systems.
• Architect distributed flight software systems across multiple spacecraft subsystems.
• Architect and build comprehensive software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test frameworks.
• Develop test automation pipelines and validate flight software across all subsystems.
• Work with security-hardened systems for spacecraft command and data integrity.
• Support integration, testing, and on-orbit commissioning of flight software.
• Collaborate with GNC, avionics, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless system integration.

Skills

C/C++

RTOS

Embedded systems

Linux

CI/CD pipelines

Automated testing

Education

B.S. in Computer Science/Engineering

M.S. in related field

Tools

Git

Linux tooling

GTest/Catch2

Job description

The Mission

Space is the infrastructure layer for humanity’s next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires orbital logistics that is as accessible and reliable as commercial aviation. At Lux Aeterna, we’re building that future by developing the first fully reusable satellite platform built for reliable reentry, recovery, and rapid redeployment, transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce

The Opportunity

We're seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to develop and validate the software that will command our revolutionary reusable satellite platform. You'll build safety-critical systems that operate autonomously in the harshest environment known to humanity, and own the testing strategy to ensure they work flawlessly in orbit and during atmospheric reentry. This is a unique opportunity to:

• Develop flight software architecture for autonomous spacecraft operations
• Build real-time embedded systems that control everything from propulsion to payload operations
• Design and implement comprehensive testing strategies for safety-critical code
• Create fault-tolerant software that handles the unexpected in orbit and during reentry
• Join a rapidly growing team with the resources to tackle ambitious technical challenges

Why Lux Aeterna?

Pioneering Technology: We’re developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, fundamentally transforming space from a one-way journey to a two-way trade route

Real Impact: Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research, and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructure

Speed & Autonomy: We maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standards

World-Class Team: Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity's access to space

The Role

You'll own flight software development and validation for our reusable satellite platform.

• Architect and implement flight software for spacecraft operations
• Develop Linux-based software for avionics, propulsion, thermal, and payload subsystems
• Build autonomous decision-making algorithms for mission-critical operations
• Create robust fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) software
• Design and implement spacecraft-to-ground communication protocols and telemetry systems
• Architect distributed flight software systems across multiple spacecraft subsystems
• Architect and build comprehensive software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test frameworks
• Develop test automation pipelines and validate flight software across all subsystems
• Work with security-hardened systems for spacecraft command and data integrity
• Support integration, testing, and on-orbit commissioning of flight software
• Collaborate with GNC, avionics, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless system integration

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• 7+ years of experience developing flight software for spacecraft or safety-critical systems
• Expert proficiency in C/C++ for flight software development
• Strong experience developing Linux-based flight software for satellites or embedded systems
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or similar
• Strong understanding of embedded systems constraints: memory, processing, and power limitations
• Experience designing and implementing automated test frameworks (unit, integration, system)
• Demonstrated expertise building SIL and HITL test environments
• Proficiency with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks

Desired Experience

• M.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
• Experience with spacecraft flight software development and space-rated processors
• Proficiency in Rust for embedded systems
• Knowledge of DO-178C, NASA-STD-8739.8, or similar safety-critical software standards
• Familiarity with CAN bus, RS-422, and other spacecraft communication protocols
• Experience with Linux kernel development or real-time Linux variants (PREEMPT_RT)
• Experience with distributed systems design and inter-process communication
• Experience with formal verification methods and static analysis tools
• Background in fault-tolerant computing and redundancy management
• Expertise in test frameworks (Google Test, Catch2, or similar)Experience with simulation tools and physics engines for spacecraft modeling
• Prior work with autonomous systems and machine learning on embedded platforms
• Contributions to open-source aerospace or robotics projects

Location & Work

We are based in Denver, CO and believe in the power of in-person collaboration. We are onsite 5 days/week by default, but flexible when life requires it. This role will include travel to vendor sites, partner facilities, the launch site, and the recovery zone in the run-up to and during flight.

Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. To comply with U.S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” under 22 C.F.R. §120.62 or who otherwise may lawfully receive such access.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated base salary range for this position is$150k-$250k per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, skills, and job-related responsibilities.

This position is also eligible for equity compensation, as applicable.

Lux Aeterna offers a benefits package of medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and company holidays; and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. To comply with U.S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” under 22 C.F.R. §120.62 or who otherwise may lawfully receive such access.