Ground Software Engineer

The Mission

Space is the bleeding edge for humanity's next industrial revolution. At Lux Aeterna, we're building the infrastructure that makes orbit as accessible and reliable as air travel. Our reusable satellite platform requires a ground software system capable of commanding, monitoring, and operating spacecraft with precision and reliability—the digital mission control center that brings satellites home safely.

We're seeking a Ground Software Engineer to architect and build the mission control systems that will command our reusable satellite platform. You'll design real-time ground station software, build mission automation tools, and create the interfaces that enable operators to conduct complex space missions reliably. This is an opportunity to:

• Design and implement mission control systems for autonomous spacecraft operations
• Build telemetry processing and visualization systems
• Create ground station automation that minimizes operator workload
• Develop fault-tolerant high reliability systems for mission-critical operations
• Join a rapidly growing team solving infrastructure challenges at scale

• Pioneering Technology:
  We're developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, fundamentally transforming space from a one-way journey to a two-way trade route
• Real Impact:
  Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research, and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructure
• Speed & Autonomy:
  We maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standards
• World-Class Team:
  Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity's access to space

You'll own the ground software architecture for spacecraft mission control and operations.

• Design and build mission control systems (command, telemetry, automation)
• Develop systems for command routing, telemetry acquisition, data processing, and visualization
• Create operational automation tools that streamline daily mission operations tasks
• Architect ground station network infrastructure
• Build integrated test and simulation systems with flight software
• Implement time-series databases and data processing pipelines
• Design intuitive operator interfaces and dashboards
• Support satellite operations, commissioning, and on-orbit troubleshooting
• Collaborate with flight software, GNC, RF, and mission operations teams

• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
• 5+ years developing software for spacecraft operations, mission control, or ground systems
• Experience with mission / satellite operations (Sat Ops) platforms and workflows
• Strong proficiency in Python, C++, or Go for backend systems development
• Solid understanding of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP)
• Proficiency with relational and/or time-series databases (Postgre
  
  SQL, Influx
  
  DB, Prometheus, etc.)
• Experience integrating with ground station service providers (KSAT, Atlas, or similar
• Proficiency with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS or equivalent)

• M.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Experience processing and visualizing spacecraft telemetry streams
• Deep experience with spacecraft communication protocols (CCSDS)
• Background with monitoring and visualization tools (Grafana, Prometheus)
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Familiarity with RF communications and ground station hardware
• Contributions to open-source aerospace or robotics projects

We are based in Denver, CO and believe in the power of in-person collaboration. We are onsite 5 days/week by default, but flexible when life requires it.

Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. To comply with U.S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” under 22 C.F.R.

• 120.62 or who otherwise may lawfully receive such access