Flight Software Engineering Manager

Capella Space • Louisville, CO

68d • $140,188 - $175,235

About The Position

As the Manager of Flight Software at Capella, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for developing and maintaining the software that runs Capella's satellite fleet in space. You will oversee a dedicated segment of the existing flight software team, supporting mission-critical software development and contributing directly to the success of Capella's on-orbit operations. This role offers the opportunity to influence technical direction, grow and mentor engineering talent, and drive high standards of execution in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. You'll work alongside engineers and stakeholders across electrical, FPGA, systems, and ground software teams to deliver robust and reliable spacecraft software.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Experience managing or leading software engineering teams, particularly within embedded systems or aerospace domains.
• Strong foundation in real-time embedded systems, including experience with bare-metal or RTOS environments.
• Proficiency in C and C++ (C++ experience highly preferred); experience with scripting languages such as Python or shell scripting.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux, Linux kernel modules, and development tools.
• Experience with microcontrollers and SoCs (e.g., Xilinx Zynq) and hardware/software integration.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to lead collaboratively and support cross-functional alignment.
• Working knowledge of modern software development practices including Git, CI/CD, and automated testing.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment and debugging hardware is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of flight software engineers responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining embedded software for satellite systems.
• Collaborate with peers and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between hardware and software components.
• Establish and uphold engineering best practices, including code reviews, automated testing, documentation, and design reviews.
• Mentor engineers through technical challenges, performance feedback, and career development.
• Support architectural discussions, software planning, and trade studies within the team's scope of responsibility.
• Drive consistent and timely execution of project milestones and deliverables.
• Facilitate strong communication across engineering disciplines and ensure software solutions meet mission and system-level requirements.
• Contribute to hiring, onboarding, and team growth efforts as Capella scales.

Benefits

• Extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Parental Leave program
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Commuter & Parking Benefits
• Mental Health Resources
• Monthly Phone Stipend
• Dog-friendly work environment & pet insurance options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Telecommunications
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees