Flight Software Engineer

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity.

At The Exploration Company we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx - a modular, reusable orbital vehicle for space missions to stations and beyond. Nyx is engineered with the capability to transport cargo and, in the future, humans.

We are seeking a highly motivated Flight Software Engineer to join our mission-driven team developing Nyx. In this role, you will take full ownership of key components of the flight software stack. You will be designing, implementing, and testing mission-critical systems that enable safe, autonomous, and reliable spaceflight operations.

You will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where cross-functional integration is essential. Your code will interface directly with vehicle avionics, guidance systems, propulsion, communications, and ground control. Expect to write modern, high-reliability C++ and Python code, drive software simulations, and ensure flight readiness through rigorous testing at both unit and system levels.

The position level will be determined based on your experience, technical depth, and ability to take ownership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, implement, and own core flight software modules for spacecraft control, telemetry, data handling, fault management, and communications.
• Develop in modern C++ and Python for support tooling, following best practices in software architecture, testing, and performance optimization.
• Build and maintain test frameworks for automated unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to validate software behavior across mission phases.
• Create and run high-fidelity simulations to model flight dynamics, subsystem interactions, and edge cases.
• Collaborate closely with GNC, avionics, propulsion, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless integration and mission success.
• Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and flight readiness assessments.

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.

NICE TO HAVE

• 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.

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.

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.

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Source: Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis), table; dl-de/by-2-0; StarIn's calculation