Principal Flight Software Engineer
The Exploration Company7 months ago
Munich, GermanyStaff+
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of flight software engineers through spacecraft software design, implementation, testing, and integration.
- Own the flight software roadmap, architecture, modularity, execution, and interfaces across avionics and vehicle subsystems.
- Drive development in modern C++ and Python for safe and efficient spacecraft operations in real-time environments.
- Oversee unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop test infrastructure to ensure flight readiness.
- Collaborate with systems engineering, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and mission operations to define requirements, resolve interfaces, and validate end-to-end behavior.
- Lead code reviews, software audits, flight software simulations, and mission rehearsals while maintaining high standards for quality, test coverage, and robustness.
Requirements
- Strong proficiency in modern C++ and Python.
- Experience with real-time systems, embedded development, or spacecraft software.
- Demonstrated ownership of complex technical problems and ability to drive them to resolution.
- Familiarity with software testing methodologies and simulation tools.
- Strong cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration skills, with a good understanding of mathematics and physics.
- Experience with CI/CD systems and build systems.
- Preferred: knowledge of safety-critical and real-time-critical software, RTOS, communication protocols such as TCP/IP, UART, CAN Bus, and serialization.
- Preferred: experience with automotive or flight software frameworks and background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, or the space mission lifecycle.
- Preferred: familiarity with AUTOSAR, ECSS, or DO-178 industry standards.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate, including visa sponsorship where applicable.
- The company describes its culture as agile, open, collaborative, and mission-focused.
- The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.
- Employment offers may be contingent upon a background check applicable to the country, role, and project.