Sr. Software Engineer

Cowboy Space•San Carlos, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a Software Engineer to help build critical systems that power our space-based compute platform. You will work across the stack—from flight and mission software to ground systems and simulation tools—contributing to software that operates in highly constrained, high-reliability environments. This is a high-growth role with the opportunity to gain ownership quickly and work closely with experienced engineers across hardware and software.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in software engineering (internships and relevant projects count)
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field
Proficiency in at least one systems-level language (C++, Python, or Rust)
Exposure to one or more of the following: Embedded systems, Distributed systems, Robotics or autonomous systems, Aerospace or hardware-adjacent software
Strong fundamentals in data structures, algorithms, and system design basics
Eagerness to learn and operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment

Nice To Haves

Proven experience working with real-time systems, multithreading, or concurrency in production environments
Deep familiarity with Linux systems, including debugging, profiling, and performance tuning
Experience building or operating distributed systems or networked applications (e.g., TCP/IP, sockets, or service communication)
Experience with simulation environments or software interacting with physical systems (robotics, aerospace, automotive)
Exposure to control systems, GNC, or autonomy stacks in a practical setting (not just academic)
Experience working on high-reliability or safety-critical systems with strong testing and validation practices
Experience designing or maintaining CI/CD pipelines for complex systems (including automated testing, integration with hardware or simulation environments, and safe deployment practices)

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and rigorously test high-reliability, low-latency flight software for our space-based compute platform and satellite subsystems.
Implement and maintain critical mission software for on-orbit operation, including command and data handling (C&DH), fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR), and secure communications.
Work across the stack from low-level embedded systems to higher-level mission logic, utilizing systems-level languages (C++, Rust, Python).
Develop software for ground systems, simulation environments, and hardware-in-the-loop testing to support integration, validation, and on-orbit operations.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware, GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control), and constellation operations, to define and implement software interfaces and ensure seamless system-level functionality.
Maintain detailed technical documentation, including software design documents, interface control documents, and comprehensive test plans.
Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and implement continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to ensure the robustness and safe deployment of flight and ground software.