Senior Flight Software Engineer
Lux Aeterna · Denver, CO ·
- Seniority
- Senior
- Category
- Software engineering
- Experience
- 7+ years
Lux Aeterna · Denver, CO ·
The Mission
Space is the infrastructure layer for humanity’s next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires orbital logistics that is as accessible and reliable as commercial aviation. At Lux Aeterna, we’re building that future by developing the first fully reusable satellite platform built for reliable reentry, recovery, and rapid redeployment, transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce
The Opportunity
We're seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to develop and validate the software that will command our revolutionary reusable satellite platform. You'll build safety-critical systems that operate autonomously in the harshest environment known to humanity, and own the testing strategy to ensure they work flawlessly in orbit and during atmospheric reentry. This is a unique opportunity to:
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
Join a rapidly growing team with the resources to tackle ambitious technical challenges
Why Lux Aeterna?
Pioneering Technology: We're developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, fundamentally transforming space from a one-way journey to a two-way trade route
Real Impact: Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research, and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructure
Speed & Autonomy: We maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standards
World-Class Team: Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity's access to space
The Role
You'll own flight software development and validation for our reusable satellite platform.
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
Required Qualifications
B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
7+ 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
Desired Experience
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
We are based in Denver, CO and believe in the power of in-person collaboration. We are onsite 5 days/week by default, but flexible when life requires it. This role will include travel to vendor sites, partner facilities, the launch site, and the recovery zone in the run-up to and during flight.
Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. To comply with U.S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” under 22 C.F.R. §120.62 or who otherwise may lawfully receive such access.
Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $150k-$250k per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, skills, and job-related responsibilities.
This position is also eligible for equity compensation, as applicable.
Lux Aeterna offers a benefits package of medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and company holidays; and a 401(k) retirement plan.
How and When to Apply
Please apply at https://luxaeterna.applytojob.com/apply
Application Deadline: November 14, 2026
Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. To comply with U.S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” under 22 C.F.R. §120.62 or who otherwise may lawfully receive such access.