Flight Software Engineer
Astro Digital
About Astro Digital
Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business applications, including earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Astro Digital is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado with roughly 85 employees and infrastructure around the globe.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Flight Software Engineer to join our team developing mission-critical software for satellite systems. In this role, you will design, implement, and maintain software that controls spacecraft operations, ensuring reliability and performance in challenging environments. We offer a hybrid schedule that blends in-person collaboration from either our Littleton, CO or San Jose, CA facility, and remote flexibility.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain flight software deployed on satellites for:
- Command and telemetry handling
- Sensor and actuator interfacing for attitude determination and control
- Power and thermal management
- RF communications systems
- Propulsion systems
- Payload operations
- Collaborate with other engineers to define software requirements and interfaces
- Implement robust, efficient, object-oriented software in C++ for multi-threaded Linux applications
- Perform integration and testing with hardware-in-the-loop environments
- Support mission operations and troubleshoot on-orbit anomalies
- Ensure compliance with mission requirements
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 4+ years of experience in spacecraft flight software development
• Strong understanding of real-time, multi-threaded systems and hardware/software integration
• Experience with modern C++ (version 17 or later)
- Experience with spacecraft subsystems such as ADCS, power, thermal, and communications
- Familiarity with software development lifecycle, configuration management, and version control tools (e.g., Git)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Work out of the Denver area or San Jose area
Preferred Qualifications
• Proficiency in modern C++
• Experience with ASI's MAX Flight Software
- Working knowledge of communication standards and protocols (e.g. RS422/485, TCP, UDP, SLIP, CCSDS)
• Experience with spacecraft operations
Pay Transparency
Astro Digital employees are provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes company stock options, healthcare, 401k retirement plan, and PTO. The range of possible compensation for this role is $130k-$175k annually, depending on candidate experience, alignment, and location.
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 20 Lbs. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required.
Export Statement
This position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 22 CFR §120.15 and 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.
