Principal Flight Software Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of flight software engineers in the design, implementation, testing, and integration of spacecraft software.
• Own the technical roadmap and execution for flight software, including architecture, modularity, and interfaces across avionics and vehicle subsystems.
• Set high standards for code quality, test coverage, simulation fidelity , and system robustness.
• Drive development in modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and Python , enabling safe and efficient spacecraft operations in real-time environments.
• Oversee the development of test infrastructure , including unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, to ensure flight readiness.
• Collaborate closely with teams across systems engineering, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and mission operations to define requirements, resolve interface challenges, and validate end-to-end behavior.
• Participate in and lead code reviews , software audits, flight software simulations, and mission rehearsals.
• What we would love to see from you
• Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and Python.
• Experience with real-time systems, embedded development, or spacecraft software.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex technical problems and drive them to resolution.
• Familiarity with software testing methodologies and simulation tools.
• Excellent cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration skills.
• Good understanding of math & physics
• Focus on detail, quality, and testing
• Experience with CI/CD systems and build systems

Requirements

• Knowledge of safety critical and real-time critical software and familiarity with RTOS
• Good understanding of communication protocols such as: TCP/IP, UART, CAN Bus and serialization
• Experience with automotive or flight software frameworks
• Background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, or space mission lifecycle.
• Experience with industry standards such as AUTOSAR, ECSS, DO-178
• Why you should join us!
• What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:
• We're Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
• We're Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It's a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?
• We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.
• If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

Additional Information

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Principal Flight Software Engineer (Team Lead) to lead the development of the flight software stack for Nyx. In this critical role, you will guide a team of talented engineers in building and validating the software systems that control and operate the spacecraft-from launch to docking, re-entry, and recovery. You will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership to deliver high-reliability software under tight mission timelines. You will drive architectural decisions, enforce rigorous testing standards, and foster a culture of ownership, simulation-driven development, and cross-functional collaboration with other subsystems such as GNC, avionics, propulsion, and mission operations. This is a high-impact leadership position where your decisions directly influence mission success.

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