Sr. Software Engineer About the Role:
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 missionsoftwareto 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.
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.
Basic Qualifications:- 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
Preferred Qualifications:- 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)
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is
$150,000 - $200,000 annually.
The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
- Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
ITAR Requirements- Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.
DisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
