Senior Software Engineer

The role

You will build critical systems for a space-based compute platform. This includes working across the stack from flight and mission software to ground systems and simulation tools.

What you will do

• Design, develop, and test high-reliability, low-latency flight software.
• Implement and maintain mission software for on-orbit operation.
• Work across the stack from low-level embedded systems to higher-level mission logic.
• Develop software for ground systems, simulation environments, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Collaborate with hardware, GNC, and constellation operations teams.
• Maintain technical documentation including design documents and test plans.
• Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and CI/CD pipelines.

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering (internships and relevant projects count)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field
• Proficiency in at least one systems-level language (C++, Python, or Rust)
• Exposure to one or more of the following: Embedded systems, Distributed systems, Robotics or autonomous systems, Aerospace or hardware-adjacent software
• Strong fundamentals in data structures, algorithms, and system design basics
• Eagerness to learn and operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment

Nice to have

• Proven experience working with real-time systems, multithreading, or concurrency in production environments
• Deep familiarity with Linux systems, including debugging, profiling, and performance tuning
• Experience building or operating distributed systems or networked applications
• Experience with simulation environments or software interacting with physical systems
• Exposure to control systems, GNC, or autonomy stacks in a practical setting
• Experience working on high-reliability or safety-critical systems
• Experience designing or maintaining CI/CD pipelines for complex systems

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office
• Fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

Before you apply

• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Departmen

About the company

Cowboy Space Corporation is building infrastructure for space-based solar energy to power the orbital economy. The company is based in San Carlos, CA.