Spacecraft Flight Computing Senior Engineer på The Exploration Company i California
The Exploration Company · California
Spacecraft Flight Computing Senior Engineer
Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle
that can eventually be refuelled ...
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.
The Exploration Company is seeking a highly skilled Spacecraft Flight Computing Engineer with expertise in real-time,
fault-tolerant computer systems running a RTOS and/or Linux. This role is focused on hands-on hardware and software development,
with an emphasis on building systems resilient to radiation effects in space environments. The engineer will also apply knowledge
of IP networking, including Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP), to enable deterministic,
synchronized communication across spacecraft subsystems.
Key Responsibilities
Design, implement, and maintain real-time embedded computing systems for spacecraft avionics.
Apply fault-tolerant computing techniques to ensure reliable operation in the presence of radiation-induced upsets and
anomalies.
Develop and optimize our RTOS and Linux-based real-time operating environments, including kernel configuration, bootloader,
device drivers, and system-level performance tuning.
Perform hardware design tasks, including schematic capture, PCB layout, and component selection using Altium Designer, with
emphasis on radiation-tolerant design practices.
Develop, synthesize, and validate FPGA designs (VHDL/Verilog), incorporating mitigation strategies such as TMR, ECC, and
scrubbing.
Design, configure, and troubleshoot IP networking protocols, with focus on TSN for deterministic networking and PTP for precise
time synchronization across spacecraft systems.
Conduct system integration, hardware/software debugging, and fault injection testing to verify robustness under radiation and
fault conditions.
Collaborate closely with flight software, avionics, and systems engineering teams to define computing, networking, and
interface requirements.
Support mission operations through anomaly resolution and post-flight analysis of radiation-induced effects such as SEUs and
TID.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python for embedded software development and automation.
Hands-on experience with real-time systems and Linux-based embedded computing.
Practical expertise in fault-tolerant computing methods (redundancy, checkpoint/restart, graceful degradation).
Knowledge of IP networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, routing, switching) with direct experience implementing TSN and PTP in
real-time or mission-critical environments.
Understanding of radiation effects on electronics and software, with experience implementing mitigation strategies at multiple
system levels.
Experience with system-level debugging tools and hardware/software integration.
What we would love to see from you
Strong skills in writing, debugging and performance tuning low-level software for Linux and/or a RTOS, including the bootloader
and device drivers.
Strong skills in hardware design using Altium Designer and/or Cadence Allegro for schematics and PCB layout. Bonus points if
you have experience with multi-gigabit SERDES interfaces like SGMII, PCI Express and Serial RapidIO.
Solid background in FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog, synthesis, simulation, timing closure, hardware validation).
Familiarity with modern multi-core ARM-based System-on-Chip hardware, including the internal architecture.
Experience writing bare-metal code.
Strong skills in writing low-level software for Linux and/or a RTOS, including the bootloader and device drivers.
Exposure to radiation testing (heavy-ion, proton, or TID) and analysis.
Background in hardware-software co-design for reliability and fault-tolerance.
Prior hands-on experience supporting space missions.
What's special about TEC's Flight Computing team?
Our team is led by some the very best minds in the aerospace industry. We are experts in fault-tolerant spacecraft avionics and
we’ve played significant roles within NASA/JPL’s avionics and robotics communities, SpaceX, Virgin Orbit and Google.
We’ve designed hardware and software for use on Earth, the International Space Station, in orbit around Earth's moon, Mars, Saturn
and Jupiter. As a hardcore engineering team, we don’t believe in half measures and we’re looking for more engineers just like us.
If this sounds like where you belong, I’d like to hear from you.
Direct involvement in building mission-critical spacecraft systems that operate in extreme environments.
A collaborative engineering culture where hands-on innovation, resilience, and reliability drive success.
Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for technical growth.
Due to federal regulations (e.g., ITAR/EAR), applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
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
Welcome to SSC Space (formerly Swedish Space Corporation), the perfect workplace for those passionate about technology in general and space in particular.
With space organizations, research institutes, institutional and commercial actors as customers, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications, spacecraft consulting services, rocket and balloon systems, and much more.
SSC Space also has one of the world’s largest global networks of ground stations for satellite communications. We own and operate the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, northern Sweden, with the aim of launching satellites in the near future.
Are you fueled by a passion for people and the ambition to create an awesome workplace? Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey with us to help Earth benefit from space?
If you answer yes to these questions, we invite you to seize the opportunity to make a significant impact as Ground Systems Infrastructure Establishment (GSIE) Project Manager in our Connect team. We are looking for a dedicated person who shares our core values of Customer passion, Care, Collaboration, Curiosity, and Courage.
As a GSIE Project Manager, you will be responsible for delivering new ground station and antenna infrastructure. You will provide programmatic and technical guidance to support successful project execution.
You will lead the project by coordinating contractor and SSC teams across locations and time zones, ensuring the right competencies are in place.
REQUIREMENTS
Engineering degree (Electrical, Satcom/Telecom, Aerospace, or similar), or equivalent professional experience.
Experience managing technical projects for construction, installation or refurbishment of technical infrastructure.
Ability to coordinate suppliers, contractors and stakeholders across countries and time zones.
Knowledge of project controls including budgeting, forecasting, scheduling and risk management.
Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA).
Ability to communicate complex technical and program information clearly to senior stakeholders and management.
Strong communication skills in English.
Willingness to travel internationally as required.
Support business development activities, including proposal preparation, bid support, and technical evaluations.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and project delivery in a dynamic environment.
Strong communicator and problem solver with proven negotiation skills, able to translate complex technical issues into business, cost, and risk impacts while driving continuous improvement.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of ground station, antenna, and associated infrastructure projects worldwide.
Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, risks, resources, and performance to ensure successful project outcomes.
Provide timely and effective reporting to senior management on project status, risks, issues, and key decisions.
Manage contractor procurement, supplier performance, site assessments, and licensing activities.
Coordinate project logistics, including the import and export of specialized equipment.
Ensure all project deliverables meet agreed requirements for scope, schedule, cost, quality, safety, and compliance.
Promote safe working practices and ensure adherence to applicable regulatory, environmental, and sustainability requirements.
Support business development activities, including proposal preparation, bid support, and technical evaluations.
Facilitate effective collaboration between engineering, operations, commercial, and external partner organizations.
BENEFITS
We offer you
A unique opportunity to contribute to a wide range of projects and play an active role in both the Swedish and international space industry.
An excellent opportunity for personal and career development.
An exciting, international workplace characterized by an open atmosphere and proud employees all over the world.
Additional benefits
In addition to vacation and traditional public holidays, we offer extra paid leave throughout the year, such as time off between Christmas and New Year, Ascension Day, amounting to 6-11 extra days depending on the calendar.
Wellness allowance of SEK 5,000 per year.
Health benefits such as voluntary health insurance and regular health checks for eligible employees.
Access to a benefit bike through a tax-efficient leasing program.
Support for employee-driven activities that promote connection, health, and culture across teams.
Collective Agreement, including good pensions plans, parental pay and insurance.
LOCATION
This is a full-time, permanent position based at our office in either Solna, Kiruna or Esrange.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For questions regarding employment terms or union-related matters, you are welcome to contact our union representatives:
Sveriges Ingenjörer: SverigesIngenjorer-AF@sscspace.com
Unionen: unionen@sscspace.com
NEXT STEP
If this opportunity sparks your interest, we encourage you to apply!
Please note, however, that the position may be filled before this date, and the advertisement may therefore close earlier. This allows us to manage the process efficiently and give each application the attention it deserves.
When applying, please include your CV. While you are welcome to include a brief personal note or letter, our evaluation will primarily focus on your skills and qualifications as outlined in your CV, ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process.
This position requires approved pre-employment screening. These controls are based on the role that you will fulfill within the company. Additional requirements regarding citizenship may apply.
WE HELP EARTH BENEFIT FROM SPACE
SSC Space is a leading global provider of advanced space services, with more than 50 years of experience. We help space organizations, research institutes, commercial and institutional actors from all over the world to get access to space.
With local presence on all continents and about 800 committed employees, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications and satellite control services, spacecraft operations, rocket and balloon systems, launch services and flight test services, as well as engineering, operations and consultancy services for space missions.
Learn more at sscspace.com
At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and
insight.
We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites.
YOUR ROLE
You’ll own the software that makes the spacecraft behave: real-time control flows, autonomy, mode management, and the core flight
applications that coordinate every subsystem.
You’ll design and implement robust flight-software services on RTOS or Embedded Linux - turning mission requirements into
deterministic, testable software - then take it from simulation all the way to launch and on-orbit operations.
You’ll ensure our VLEO satellites stay safe and productive with strong fault tolerance, clean observability, and rapid iteration
through over-the-air updates.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Own the on-board flight-software stack – design, implement and test real-time Rust/C/C++ on RTOS or Embedded Linux.
* Integrate subsystems end-to-end – define ICDs and build drivers/middleware over I2C/SPI/UART/CAN(-FD)/SpaceWire (as
applicable).
* Build spacecraft behaviors & autonomy – implement mode management, sequencing, and autonomous FDIR for safe and productive
operations.
* Deliver reliable real-time performance – manage concurrency, timing, CPU/memory budgets, and observability under tight
constraints.
* Build verification infrastructure – prototypes, SIL/HIL test harnesses, simulations, and telemetry analysis tooling to validate
designs early.
* Ship code from review to orbit – push through CI/CD, support integration and launch ops, and deliver secure over-the-air
updates.
* Work across disciplines – collaborate with avionics, AOCS, comms and mission teams to trade compute, power, thermal, storage
and link budgets.
FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
* Proven experience in building production embedded or real-time systems in C/C++ and/or Rust on RTOS or Embedded Linux for space
systems.
* Strong grasp of real-time software: scheduling, interrupts, concurrency primitives, determinism, and designing for constrained
CPU/memory.
* Proven ability to build reliable, testable systems: unit/integration testing, simulation-first development, HIL validation, and
disciplined debugging.
* Hands-on experience integrating with hardware via common interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN(-FD), GPIO, etc.) and practical lab
debugging.
* Solid software engineering fundamentals: architecture, code review, static analysis, CI/CD, configuration management, and
observability/logging.
* Ability to own systems end-to-end: from requirements and design through implementation, verification, operations support, and
iterative improvement.
NICE-TO-HAVES
* Experience with spacecraft flight software frameworks (e.g., cFS, F´, or building lightweight component-based equivalents).
* Familiarity with autonomy and fault management patterns for radiation/SEUs, watchdog strategies, redundancy, and safe-mode
design.
* GNC/AOCS-adjacent experience: sensor/actuator pipelines, control-loop integration, estimation/filters, timing analysis.
* Digital-twin / simulator / SIL-HIL experience for end-to-end behavior validation and regression testing.
* On-orbit operations know-how: commissioning flows, anomaly response, telemetry triage, and OTA update strategies.
WHY NEWORBIT SPACE?
* Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our
revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO
operations.
* Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate
in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
* Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication
and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.
* Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare
check-ups etc.
* Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week.
* Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.
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.
KEY 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
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.
