Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer

Space Kinetic; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity-Based Compensation

Highly Competitive PTO

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Health and Wellness Stipend

Job summary

Space Kinetic is seeking a Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer to develop real-time control software for aerospace systems. Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in embedded software and strong C/C++ and Python skills.

The position is based in El Segundo, CA, and offers competitive compensation along with equity-based benefits and comprehensive health coverage.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in embedded software, controls software, or real-time systems development.
• Strong understanding of deterministic real-time software architecture.
• Experience with motor controls and actuator systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop deterministic real-time control software for aerospace systems.
• Support development and integration of GNC-related algorithms.
• Design and execute HIL testing and integration activities.

Skills

Embedded software development

Real-time systems

C/C++ programming

Python programming

Controls theory

MATLAB/Simulink

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant fields

Tools

Embedded Linux

RTOS

Job description

Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are:

Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture‑backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low‑cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL‑5 prototype and aims to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain and catalyzing the emerging space economy.

What You’ll Do:

We are seeking a Senior Real‑Time / Controls Software Engineer to lead development of deterministic real‑time control software supporting high‑speed electromechanical aerospace systems. The role will own motor‑control implementation, release timing logic, safety interlocks, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) integration for critical system functions. The ideal candidate understands both controls theory and low‑level real‑time software implementation and can translate GNC, MATLAB/Simulink, and Python‑based models into reliable embedded flight‑like control software operating in a fast‑paced hardware development environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop deterministic real‑time control software for electromechanical aerospace systems
• Own motor‑control implementation, release timing logic, and safety interlock architecture
• Translate MATLAB/Simulink and Python‑based control models into production‑quality real‑time software
• Support development and integration of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) related algorithms
• Design and execute hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing and integration activities
• Work closely with GNC, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams during development and test
• Support integration, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototype hardware
• Develop software interfaces for sensors, actuators, motor controllers, and embedded hardware systems
• Support system‑level testing, troubleshooting, and rapid iteration during development campaigns
• Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and safety‑critical design decisions

What It Takes

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in embedded software, controls software, or real‑time systems development
• Strong understanding of real‑time software architecture and deterministic system behavior
• Experience with motor controls, actuator systems, or embedded control loops
• Experience working with MATLAB/Simulink and translating models into deployable software
• Strong programming experience in C/C++ and Python
• Experience supporting integration and testing of hardware/software systems

What We’d Love

• Aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems background
• Experience with HIL (Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop) simulation and testing
• Familiarity with GNC algorithms and controls development workflows
• Experience supporting high‑speed dynamic systems or safety‑critical systems
• Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, FPGA interfaces, or low‑level hardware communication protocols
• Startup or rapid‑prototyping experience preferred
• Real‑time embedded systems
• Control loop implementation
• Motor controllers and actuator interfaces
• Sensor integration and signal processing
• Simulation and modeling workflows
• System debugging and integration testing
• Cross‑functional engineering collaboration

Where You’ll Be

The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).

What We Offer

• Equity‑Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Health and Wellness Stipend

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green‑card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Compensation

Pay Range: $170,000 ‑ $240,000 USD