Principal Flight Software Engineer

The Exploration Company

Munich, Germany

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Principal Flight Software Engineer (Team Lead) to lead the development of the flight software stack for Nyx. In this critical role, you will guide a team of talented engineers in building and validating the software systems that control and operate the spacecraft—from launch to docking, re-entry, and recovery.

You will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership to deliver high-reliability software under tight mission timelines. You will drive architectural decisions, enforce rigorous testing standards, and foster a culture of ownership, simulation-driven development, and cross-functional collaboration with other subsystems such as GNC, avionics, propulsion, and mission operations.

This is a high-impact leadership position where your decisions directly influence mission success.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a high-performing team of flight software engineers in the design, implementation, testing, and integration of spacecraft software;
Own the technical roadmap and execution for flight software, including architecture, modularity, and interfaces across avionics and vehicle subsystems;
Set high standards for code quality, test coverage, simulation fidelity, and system robustness;
Drive development in modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and Python, enabling safe and efficient spacecraft operations in real-time environments;
Oversee the development of test infrastructure, including unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, to ensure flight readiness;
Collaborate closely with teams across systems engineering, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and mission operations to define requirements, resolve interface challenges, and validate end-to-end behavior;
Participate in and lead code reviews, software audits, flight software simulations, and mission rehearsals.

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.

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