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Scout Space · 2 months ago

Senior Flight Software Engineer (GNC Focused)

United States

Full-time

Remote

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space, focusing on data to enhance satellite operations. The Senior Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, and implement advanced Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms and software for deployment on space hardware, contributing to the development of intelligent satellite operations.

AerospaceCloud ComputingGeospatialSatellite CommunicationSoftwareSpace Travel

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain Scout’s flight software on flight hardware to meet mission requirements

Contribute to the development of algorithms for onboard motion control, space target tracking, own ship awareness, fault detection/recovery, and GNC methods more generally

Translate GNC algorithms into flight-ready software, ensuring efficiency, robustness, and adherence to coding standards

Integrate sensor models (IMUs, star trackers, GPS, etc.) and actuator models (thrusters, reaction wheels, control moment gyros) into GNC systems

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate flight software and GNC into spacecraft design and mission operations

Perform verification and validation of flight software for performance and reliability in operational environments

Drive system-level architecture for GNC-related features, ensuring compliance with mission and system constraints

Document and maintain software development processes and support end-to-end mission requirements

Participate in hardware/software-in-the-loop (H/SITL) software testing and simulation activities to validate flight software performance and GNC functions

Assist with mission planning, anomaly resolution, and post-flight data analysis

Qualification

GNC algorithmsC++PythonReal-time operating systemsSoftware verificationSpacecraft control theoryOrbital mechanicsMentoring junior engineersProblem-solving skillsCollaborative environment

Required

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

5+ years experience developing and deploying software for space systems

Background in spacecraft mission operations or SDA/GNC systems

Strong programming skills in modern C++ and Python

Expertise in real-time operating systems (RTOS) and software architecture for embedded systems

Experience with software verification and validation processes

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Solid understanding of spacecraft control theory, estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering), and orbital mechanics

Eligible to hold a security clearance

Preferred

Master's in GNC or related discipline

Direct experience with the entire spacecraft life-cycle, particularly in post-launch activities including commissioning, anomaly resolution, and day to day operations

Familiarity with SDA/GNC applications in space systems

Knowledge of fault-tolerant software architectures

Experience with space communication protocols and interfaces

Demonstrated ability to work on multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior engineers