Space Software Engineer: Rust/C++ & Embedded

Open Cosmos Ltd.; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Cosmos Ltd. in the Data Division designs and delivers satellite software that turns space data into actionable insights.

You will design, implement, validate and maintain flight software for Linux and RTOS-based systems, while contributing to ground tools, code reviews, and CI/CD processes to ensure high reliability. You will work closely with Systems, Electronics and Mission Operations, applying secure coding and fault-tolerant principles, and supporting post-launch integration activities

Qualifications

• Strong programming capability in Rust, or solid understanding in C or C++ with the motivation and ability to transition to Rust in a production environment.
• Proficiency in compiled and object-oriented programming paradigms, with an emphasis on performance, reliability, and correctness.
• Ability to work in Linux development environments, including scripting and command-line tooling, as part of day-to-day engineering work.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automation tools such as GitLab, Jenkins, Docker, and pytest, supporting consistent and efficient software delivery.
• Ability to apply secure coding and fault-tolerant design principles to software development, ensuring reliability and resilience in mission-critical contexts.
• Working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems including ADCS, EPS, communications, and payload systems, and how software interfaces with and supports each.
• Awareness of European space engineering standards such as ECSS, and their practical implications for software development, documentation, and compliance.
• Understanding of RTOS concepts and their application in embedded and space software environments.
• Demonstrated familiarity with software verification and validation processes, including testing strategies and traceability requirements for mission-critical systems.
• Awareness of fault detection, isolation, and recovery principles, and how these inform robust software design in space applications.

Responsibilities

• Designing, implementing, validating, and maintaining satellite flight software.
• Supporting ground tools, ensuring software is robust, traceable, and fit for the reliability demands of space missions.
• Developing features for Linux and RTOS-based systems in line with mission and system requirements.
• Participating in code reviews, testing campaigns, and CI/CD processes to ensure high software quality standards are maintained consistently throughout the development lifecycle.
• Maintaining configuration control, documentation, and full software traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
• Collaborating closely with Systems, Electronics, and Mission Operations teams to integrate and test subsystems, contributing technical expertise that supports effective cross-functional alignment and problem resolution.
• Contributing to post-launch operations and build and integration activities.
• Driving continuous improvement in architecture, design, and engineering processes, identifying and implementing changes that enhance software reliability, maintainability, and delivery efficiency.

Skills

Rust programming

C/C++ proficiency

Linux development

CI/CD tooling

Secure coding

RTOS concepts

Space systems knowledge

Tools

GitLab

Jenkins

Docker

pytest

Job description

Open Cosmos Ltd. in the Data Division designs and delivers satellite software that turns space data into actionable insights.

You will design, implement, validate and maintain flight software for Linux and RTOS-based systems, while contributing to ground tools, code reviews, and CI/CD processes to ensure high reliability. You will work closely with Systems, Electronics and Mission Operations, applying secure coding and fault-tolerant principles, and supporting post-launch integration activities