Software Engineer – Satellite Modeling and Tasking

Arraylabs.Io; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Array Labs is seeking engineers to build automation for spacecraft and ground systems. You will develop mission planning software, implement orbit control, and evolve data-driven scheduling for coordinated satellite imaging.

You’ll work with Python, C++, and Rust, use Docker/Kubernetes, and leverage cloud platforms along with PostgreSQL-based data stores to support real-time geospatial analysis and SBIR-grade models.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or a related field with 3+ years of experience.
• Experience developing autonomous systems and integrating them into larger operational frameworks.
• Understanding of Docker containers and containerization.
• Experience with CI systems and automated test pipelines (GitLab preferred).
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or Rust.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with RESTful API design and implementation.
• Experience with geospatial, remote sensing, 3D data, or digital signal processing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Build and implement automation solutions for spacecraft and ground stations to operate imaging satellite swarms.
• Implement controllers to plan orbit maneuvers and optimize satellite positions.
• Develop and maintain mission planning software integrating design, concepts, and hardware requirements.
• Design systems to manage asynchronous data streams and real-time decisions/schedules.
• Create architecture concepts for spacecraft coordination, payload, budgets, and autonomy.
• Develop automation and algorithms for precise orbit determination.

Skills

Autonomous systems

Python

C++

Rust

REST APIs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

GitLab CI

PostgreSQL

TimescaleDB

Job description

About Us

Array Labs builds advanced radar systems to help humanity understand and respond to changes across the physical world.

We’re launching a coordinated fleet of radar satellites to create a high-resolution 3D map of the Earth, updated in real time, enabling faster, smarter decision‑making for government and commercial organizations supporting disaster response, infrastructure resilience, and mission‑critical geopolitical intelligence.

We design and build our satellites end‑to‑end, producing the world’s most advanced earth observation satellites. Our fleet will deliver unprecedented levels of accuracy, coverage, and responsiveness to power critical insights precisely where they’re needed most.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for building and implementing automation solutions for spacecraft and ground station for operating swarms of coordinated imaging satellites
• Implement controllers developed by GNC engineers to plan and execute satellite maneuvers, including orbit corrections and station‑keeping, to optimize satellite positions and performance.
• Develop and maintain mission planning software that integrates mission design, operational concepts, and flight hardware requirements
• Design and implement systems to manage asynchronous data streams, integrating real‑time information to generate and upload new decisions and schedules
• Design architecture concepts considering spacecraft coordination, payload and system budget capabilities, data collection requirements, autonomy, and mission operations
• Implement automation and algorithms for precise orbit determination of Array Labs and GNSS satellites
• Evolve and implement models to characterize vehicles and satellite systems propulsion, power, precision, navigation, timing, and tracking requirements
• Optimize schedules to maximize imagery opportunities based on imaging priorities and system capabilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or a related field, with 3+ years of experience
• At least two of the preferred skill and experiences listed
• Experience developing autonomous systems and integrating them into larger operational frameworks
• Understanding of how to create, configure, and manage Docker containers
• Experience with continuous integration systems and automated test execution pipelines (Gitlab preferred)
• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, C++, or Rust
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• Familiarity with database systems and CRUD operations in database management, preferably PostgreSQL and TimescaleDB
• Familiarity with RESTful API design and implementation
• Experience with physics‑based software packages and/or model‑based digital engineering tools
• Knowledge of precision orbit determination methods
• Familiarity with FreeFlyer, STK GMAT, and/or custom‑developed equivalent
• Familiarity with satellite dynamics, including orbit determination, attitude control systems, and station‑keeping maneuvers
• Experience with flight software and embedded systems
• Experience setting up automated hardware in the loop (HIL) test benches
• Familiarity with satellite mission operations and/or Ground Station as a Service providers
• Experience with geospatial, remote sensing, 3D data, and/or digital signal processing techniques (e.g. SAR and optical satellite imagery, LiDAR point clouds)

Compensation & Benefits

Our hiring and compensation strategy is simple: find uncommonly good people and pay them uncommonly well.

We offer high flexibility between salary and equity‑based compensation. Final candidates can choose from three compensation mixes: low, medium, or high equity. Equity is a significant component of total compensation, and we aim to provide meaningful ownership for this role.

Full‑time employees also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, a 401(k) with company match, commuter benefits, and more.

Interview Process

We will conduct interviews via Google Meet with the potential for an onsite visit; the typical process takes around 3‑5 weeks to complete from start to finish.

Why Join Array

At Array Labs, deep technical expertise meets relentless impact. We prioritize curiosity over hierarchy and bold engineering over incremental gains. Our world‑class team across hardware engineering, software, and aerospace works collaboratively to push boundaries and move fast.

Our values:

1. Build What Matters: Create technology that serves customers and advances humanity
2. Innovate Together: Stay curious, collaborate openly, push boundaries as one team
3. Employee Centric: Put our people first with a culture of trust, respect, and opportunity
4. Join industry‑leading experts to deliver unprecedented insights about our planet and build the future of Earth observation.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Array Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of merit, competence, and job qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by gender, color, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.