Senior Flight Software Engineer

Senior Flight Software Engineer

The Exploration Company

Munich, Germany

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Flight Software Engineer to join our mission-driven team developing Nyx. In this role, you will take full ownership of key components of the flight software stack. You will be designing, implementing, and testing mission-critical systems that enable safe, autonomous, and reliable spaceflight operations.

You will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where cross-functional integration is essential. Your code will interface directly with vehicle avionics, guidance systems, propulsion, communications, and ground control. Expect to write modern, high-reliability C++ and Python code, drive software simulations, and ensure flight readiness through rigorous testing at both unit and system levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and own core flight software modules for spacecraft control, telemetry, data handling, fault management, and communications.
• Develop in modern C++ and Python for support tooling, following best practices in software architecture, testing, and performance optimization.
• Build and maintain test frameworks for automated unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to validate software behavior across mission phases.
• Create and run high-fidelity simulations to model flight dynamics, subsystem interactions, and edge cases.
• Collaborate closely with GNC, avionics, propulsion, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless integration and mission success.
• Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and flight readiness assessments.

What we would love to see from you

• Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and Python.
• Experience with real-time systems, embedded development, or spacecraft software.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex technical problems and drive them to resolution.
• Familiarity with software testing methodologies and simulation tools.
• Excellent cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration skills.
• Good understanding of math & physics.
• Focus on detail, quality, and testing.
• Experience with CI/CD systems and build systems.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of safety critical and real-time critical software and familiarity with RTOS.
• Good understanding of communication protocols such as: TCP/IP, UART, CAN Bus and serialization.
• Experience with automotive or flight software frameworks.
• Background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, or space mission lifecycle.
• Experience with industry standards such as AUTOSAR, ECSS, DO-178.