Senior Payload Software & Test Lead (Spacecraft)

Sophia Space Inc.; Pasadena, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Sophia Space Inc. is hiring a senior software-focused engineer to build and verify the payload control software for the TILE demonstration mission. You will write the Linux application, develop simulators and testbeds, and lead verification campaigns from integration through on-orbit commissioning.

The role combines software with electrical and data-interface depth, requiring coordination with avionics, mission ops, and hardware teams. Occasional travel to Pasadena, CA is expected.

Qualifications

• BS in CS/CE or related field.
• 8+ years building software for hardware systems with HIL testing.
• Shipped software in fielded hardware environments.
• Python plus C/C++/Rust; Linux; Containers.
• Networking: implemented protocols from interface documents.
• Bench skills: Ethernet, serial, scope and logic analyzer.
• Time synchronization: NTP/PTP and timestamping.
• Experience creating and managing ICDs for software/data interfaces.
• Strong written and verbal communication; cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test the payload control software and interfaces.
• Work with vendor firmware on boot sequences, protocols, and timing.
• Deploy and operate the application on containerized onboard compute platform.
• Own payload-to-bus interfaces and end-to-end data path verification.
• Lead hardware-in-the-loop tests and verification campaigns.
• Drive consensus across avionics, software, mission ops, and partners.
• Prepare memos, reviews, and customer-facing technical content.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Rust

Linux

Containers

Networking

Time synchronization

Test engineering

ICD/Interface control documents

Communication

Education

B.S. in Computer Science / Computer Engineering / related

Tools

Kubernetes

Helm

SpaceDAQ / test rigs

Ethernet / CAN

Job description

Sophia Space Inc. is hiring a senior software-focused engineer to build and verify the payload control software for the TILE demonstration mission. You will write the Linux application, develop simulators and testbeds, and lead verification campaigns from integration through on-orbit commissioning.

The role combines software with electrical and data-interface depth, requiring coordination with avionics, mission ops, and hardware teams. Occasional travel to Pasadena, CA is expected.