Flight Software & Test Engineer
Dcubed • Johnstown, Colorado, United States
Salary: $70,000 - $120,000 / year
**Role & seniority: ** Flight Software & Test Engineer (entry-to-early career; newly graduated acceptable with relevant experience)
**Stack/tools: **
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Languages: C/C++, Python
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Build: CMake
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Version control: Git
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Testing/quality: testing frameworks, CI
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Target HW: ARM-based microcontrollers
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Flight software concepts: onboard flight software architecture, mission modes/state machines
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Top 3 responsibilities:
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Design and own flight software architecture (mission logic, modes/state machines, data handling, communications, autonomy) for payloads/spacecraft
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Implement and validate flight software (mission logic/mode handling, data acquisition/storage/downlink, command handling, FDIR)
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Hands-on testing & integration support (software loading, lab testing/debugging/validation; define software docs, interfaces, and test procedures; advise systems engineering)
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Must-have skills:
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Education in Software/Embedded/Electrical Engineering (or related)
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Experience with space/aerospace or other safety-critical software
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Structured programming and tooling: C/C++/Python, CMake, Git, CI, testing frameworks
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Experience working in small teams
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Ability to develop for ARM-based microcontrollers
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Nice-to-haves:
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Experience adapting/using vendor-provided onboard computer software and reducing reliance on proprietary stacks
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Strong familiarity with avionics hardware interface
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Full Description
As a Flight Software & Test Engineer, you are responsible for the design, hands-on testing, implementation, and evolution of onboard flight software for Dcubed’s payloads and spacecraft. You define a robust flight software architecture covering mission logic, modes, data handling, communications, and autonomy, taking into account the constraints of space operations. You work closely with our Embedded Avionics Engineer, Systems Engineering, and Avionics Integration Team to ensure reliable, testable, and mission-ready software.
What you will do Design and own the flight software architecture for payloads and spacecraft Define software concepts of operations (ConOps), mission modes and state machines
Implement flight software covering
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Mission logic and mode handling (safe mode, commissioning, nominal, debugging, etc.)
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Data acquisition, handling, storage, and downlink
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Command handling and fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR)
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Interfaces to avionics hardware, sensors, and actuators
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Adapt and extend vendor-provided onboard computer software, and progressively reduce reliance on proprietary stacks
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Define software interfaces and abstractions in close collaboration with avionics colleagues
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Provide recommendations to systems engineering
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Hands-on software loading, testing, debugging, and validation in the lab and during integration
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Define software-related documentation, interfaces, and test procedures
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Act as a Subject Matter Expert for flight software activities within the avionics and missions teams.
Must-haves
Education: Bachelor's of Science in Software Engineering, Embedded Systems, Electrical Engineering, or related field You can be newly graduated with experience in flight software, embedded software, or spacecraft software Experience developing software for space, aerospace, or other safety-critical systems Experience working in small teams
Technologies: Structured programming (C/C++ / Python / CMake) with git, testing frameworks, CI. Experience with ARM-based microcontrollers.
About Us Dcubed is a fast-growing NewSpace company headquartered in Germering/Munich which accelerates space exploration through durable and affordable space hardware. Our easy-to-use and readily available space mechanisms and subsystems (solar arrays, deployable structures) have flown over a dozen times to space and are used by many of the leading space companies in the world. We are an inclusive workplace where all are welcome (f/m/d).
Equal Opportunity Employer Dcubed is an Equal Opportunity (EO) employer and recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected status under applicable law.