Lux Aeterna · 3 hours ago
Flight Software Engineer
Denver, CO
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
5+ years expLux Aeterna is developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, aiming to transform space into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce. The Flight Software Engineer will be responsible for developing and validating software for autonomous spacecraft operations, ensuring safety-critical systems operate flawlessly in orbit and during atmospheric reentry.
Satellite CommunicationSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Develop flight software architecture for autonomous spacecraft operations
Build real-time embedded systems that control everything from propulsion to payload operations
Design and implement comprehensive testing strategies for safety-critical code
Create fault-tolerant software that handles the unexpected in orbit and during reentry
Architect and implement flight software for spacecraft operations
Develop Linux-based software for avionics, propulsion, thermal, and payload subsystems
Build autonomous decision-making algorithms for mission-critical operations
Create robust fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) software
Design and implement spacecraft-to-ground communication protocols and telemetry systems
Architect distributed flight software systems across multiple spacecraft subsystems
Architect and build comprehensive software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test frameworks
Develop test automation pipelines and validate flight software across all subsystems
Work with security-hardened systems for spacecraft command and data integrity
Support integration, testing, and on-orbit commissioning of flight software
Collaborate with GNC, avionics, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless system integration
Qualification
Required
B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
5+ years of experience developing flight software for spacecraft or safety-critical systems
Expert proficiency in C/C++ for flight software development
Strong experience developing Linux-based flight software for satellites or embedded systems
Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or similar
Strong understanding of embedded systems constraints: memory, processing, and power limitations
Experience designing and implementing automated test frameworks (unit, integration, system)
Demonstrated expertise building SIL and HITL test environments
Proficiency with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks
Preferred
M.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
Experience with spacecraft flight software development and space-rated processors
Proficiency in Rust for embedded systems
Knowledge of DO-178C, NASA-STD-8739.8, or similar safety-critical software standards
Familiarity with CAN bus, RS-422, and other spacecraft communication protocols
Experience with Linux kernel development or real-time Linux variants (PREEMPT_RT)
Experience with distributed systems design and inter-process communication
Experience with formal verification methods and static analysis tools
Background in fault-tolerant computing and redundancy management
Expertise in test frameworks (Google Test, Catch2, or similar)
Experience with simulation tools and physics engines for spacecraft modeling
Prior work with autonomous systems and machine learning on embedded platforms
Contributions to open-source aerospace or robotics projects
Company
Lux Aeterna
Lux Aeterna is a space infrastructure company that focuses on orbital activities through reentry and reusability.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$4M2025-06-25Pre Seed· $4M
Leadership Team
Brian Taylor
Founder & CEO
Company data provided by crunchbase