Lead Flight Software Engineer

Who We Are

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head‑on.

Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus – and unlock a ‘one-to-many’ system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head‑on.

Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus – and unlock a ‘one-to-many’ system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40‑hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first‑of‑its‑kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

The Lead Flight Software Engineer will be required to work in a fast‑paced prototyping environment with an aggressive schedule toward flight and should have experience and a general understanding of spaceflight payloads. In this position, you will be responsible for low‑level and high‑level software in Space Kinetic’s products through all phases of the development process. As a Lead, you will be responsible for software designs from concept through production, including product roadmaps, block diagrams, detailed design and coding, analysis, test and qualification.

The Lead Software Engineer will serve as the technical leader for the development, integration, and validation of Space Kinetic's electromechanical system. This role is responsible for the architecture, design, and implementation of mission‑critical software that enables spacecraft control, autonomy, communication, and safety. The ideal candidate possesses deep experience in embedded real‑time systems, software reliability, and spacecraft operations.

• Lead the design and development of space Kinetic flight software architecture, including guidance, navigation, control (GNC), telemetry, command, and fault management systems.
• Define software requirements, interfaces, and verification strategies in coordination with systems, electrical, and mission engineering teams.
• Develop robust, real‑time, and fault‑tolerant software using C/C++ and/or Rust in embedded or RTOS environments.
• Perform software design reviews, code reviews, and verification activities to…