Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer
About The Position
Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy. We are seeking a Senior Real-Time / Controls Software Engineer to lead development of deterministic real-time control software supporting high-speed electromechanical aerospace systems. This role will own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, safety interlocks, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration for critical system functions. The ideal candidate understands both controls theory and low-level real-time software implementation and can translate GNC, MATLAB/Simulink, and Python-based models into reliable embedded flight-like control software operating in a fast-paced hardware development environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field OR Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field
- 5+ years of experience in embedded software, controls software, or real-time systems development
- Strong understanding of real-time software architecture and deterministic system behavior
- Experience with motor controls, actuator systems, or embedded control loops
- Experience working with MATLAB/Simulink and translating models into deployable software
- Strong programming experience in C/C++ and Python
- Experience supporting integration and testing of hardware/software systems
Nice To Haves
- Aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems background
- Experience with HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) simulation and testing
- Familiarity with GNC algorithms and controls development workflows
- Experience supporting high-speed dynamic systems or safety-critical systems
- Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, FPGA interfaces, or low-level hardware communication protocols
- Startup or rapid-prototyping experience preferred
Responsibilities
- Develop deterministic real-time control software for electromechanical aerospace systems
- Own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, and safety interlock architecture
- Translate MATLAB/Simulink and Python-based control models into production-quality real-time software
- Support development and integration of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) related algorithms
- Design and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and integration activities
- Work closely with GNC, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams during development and test
- Support integration, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototype hardware
- Develop software interfaces for sensors, actuators, motor controllers, and embedded hardware systems
- Support system-level testing, troubleshooting, and rapid iteration during development campaigns
- Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and safety-critical design decisions
Benefits
- Equity-Based Compensation
- Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
- Health and Wellness Stipend
- Commuter Benefits
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
