Senior Ground Software Engineer

Lunar Outpost; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

PTO: 3 weeks

401(k) with 4% match

11 company holidays

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Lunar Outpost seeks a Senior Ground Software Engineer to build cloud-native command and control software for lunar rover missions. You will ship production-grade code to AWS, design data layers and telemetry pipelines, and support mission control interfaces, all within a full-stack role with backend emphasis.

Ideal candidates bring strong Node.js and C++ skills, 5+ years of software development, and hands-on experience with cloud, containers, and space-ground systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Math.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience.
• Production experience shipping code to cloud environments (AWS preferred).
• Strong Node.js and C++ development skills.
• Experience with SQL databases and object storage.
• API design for production systems.
• Containerization and orchestration experience.
• Ground software experience in space programs or aerospace systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop backend features for Stargate C2 platform supporting lunar rover operations.
• Implement real-time data pipelines handling spacecraft telemetry streams using CCSDS protocols.
• Ship production code to AWS environments using IaC (CloudFormation, Terraform, CDK).
• Develop and deploy containerized microservices within Docker and Kubernetes ecosystems.
• Write high-performance backend services in Node.js and C++ for telemetry processing.
• Contribute to React-based mission control interfaces when frontend work is required.
• Develop and release safety-critical software following rigorous verification standards.

Skills

Strong programming in Node.js and C++

Real-time data processing

Cloud-native development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Math

Tools

AWS

Docker

Kubernetes

SQL (MySQL/PostgreSQL)

S3/Minio storage

CCSDS protocols familiarity

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. Currently, we are seeking a Senior Ground Software Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. The main responsibilities of this role include developing cloud‑native command and control software for rover missions, shipping production‑ready code to AWS environments, and building robust backend systems that interface with spacecraft using industry‑standard protocols. This role is full‑stack with primary focus on backend development—you'll design and implement data layers, telemetry processing pipelines, and command interfaces that enable mission control, while contributing to frontend systems as needed.

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 and develop backend features for Stargate C2 platform supporting lunar rover operations
• Implement real‑time data pipelines handling spacecraft telemetry streams using CCSDS protocols (SPP, AOS, TM/TC)
• Ship production code to AWS environments using infrastructure‑as‑code practices (CloudFormation, Terraform, or CDK)
• Develop and deploy containerized microservices within Docker and Kubernetes ecosystems
• Write high‑performance backend services in Node.js and C++ for real‑time telemetry processing
• Contribute to React‑based mission control interfaces when frontend work is required
• Develop and release safety‑critical software systems following rigorous verification and certification standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Math discipline
• 5+ years of professional software development experience
• Production experience shipping code to cloud environments (AWS preferred)
• Strong proficiency in Node.js and C++ development
• Hands‑on experience with SQL databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, or similar) including schema design and query optimization
• Experience working with object storage systems (S3, Minio, or equivalent)
• API development and design experience with production systems
• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker) and container orchestration
• Previous ground software development experience for space programs or aerospace systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CCSDS protocols: Space Packet Protocol (SPP), Advanced Orbiting Systems (AOS), Telemetry/Telecommand (TM/TC), CCSDS File Delivery Protocol (CFDP)
• React experience and frontend development skills
• Experience with message queue systems (Kafka, RabbitMQ, or similar)
• Hands‑on experience with observability and monitoring tools (Prometheus, Grafana, DataDog, OpenTelemetry)

Compensation & Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
• Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
• Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
• Paid holidays: 11 company‑recognized holidays
• Parental leave
• Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.

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.