Principal Flight Software Engineer

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

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...