Principal GNC Engineer

The Exploration Company

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.

The Exploration Company

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 a Mission Operations Training Engineer to build, own, and execute our end-to-end mission operations training program. In this role, you will be the technical authority for operations training across the program, embedding with our software, engineering, flight operations, and recovery teams to ensure both our personnel and the astronaut crews are fully prepared. As a Simulation Supervisor, you will work directly with the Ground Software and Flight Software teams to ensure fault-injection logic and training capabilities are built into the simulator architecture. Key Responsibilities * Own the training concept of operations, certification pipelines, and long-term training plans for flight controllers and ISS crews * Author and maintain the core curriculum, lesson plans, and instructional materials that translate vehicle engineering into operational proficiency * Script, orchestrate, and execute high-fidelity nominal and off-nominal simulation campaigns as Simulation Supervisor * Partner with Ground Software and Flight Software teams to ensure fault-injection capabilities and training requirements are built into the simulator architecture * Coordinate with subsystem engineers, Mission Directors, and external partners (ESA, NASA, CNES) to keep training aligned with current procedures * Incorporate flight anomalies, test failures, and operational lessons learned into simulator capabilities, training flows, and vehicle design * Mentor and grow junior training engineers and simulation controllers What we would love to see from you: The ideal candidate will have: * Master’s degree in an engineering or science discipline. * 8+ years of experience in spacecraft mission operations training or a comparable high-risk operations environment * Hands-on experience scripting and running simulation campaigns as a Simulation Supervisor, console operator, or equivalent role * Experience working directly with software development teams to define, review, and accept simulator capabilities or modeling environments * Technical knowledge of common spacecraft systems (GNC, avionics, propulsion, life support) * Demonstrated ability to translate complex systems engineering into operational training curricula and procedures Bonus qualifications: * Experience developing training for ISS crewmembers or human spaceflight missions * Background in custom simulation tooling, fault-injection scripting, or telemetry display environments * Prior certification as a flight controller. * Direct experience with NASA, ESA, or equivalent partners on joint training plans and operational products * Mentorship experience with junior engineers while remaining a significant individual contributor 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.

The Exploration Company

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 want you as a talented Flight Software Engineer to help us in our mission by developing and testing critical software responsible for the operation of our lunar lander projects. You will be part of the Future Projects team, reporting to the Principal Engineer of the project and working closely with the other engineering disciplines. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES In your capacity as a Future Projects Flight Software Engineer, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include: * Taking ownership of the software architecture, components, and interfaces * Owning the requirements for the software sub-system * Being responsible for implementation of the Flight software modules (Sub-system) * Being responsible for writing clean unit tests * Collaborating with other teams (e.g. Avionics, GNC, Propulsion) to ensure seamless integration of the software into the test framework * Being responsible for integrated tests (with Hardware and Simulated) * Actively participating in system-level tests and provide support for troubleshooting and resolving integration issues WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU * Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. * 3+ years of experience in developing software architectures for aerospace or similar complex systems. * Proven experience in real-time distributed system design, implementation, and debugging, with a focus on timing constraints, synchronization, and deterministic behavior in safety-critical applications. * Strong background in software development, with proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink. * Familiarity with hardware in the loop (HIL) and software in the loop (SIL) testing methodologies. * Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. * Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. * Experience with NASA cFS is considered advantageous. * Understanding of Communication protocols such as: TCP/IP, UART, CAN Bus and serialization. * Familiarity with debuggers (GDB, LLDB). NICE TO HAVE * Knowledge of safety and real-time critical software and familiarity with RTOS * Experience with RTEMS is considered advantageous 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.