Principal Engineer, Test Systems Software (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Principal Engineer, Test Systems Software (Fullstack/Aerospace): Leading the technical direction of the Test Bench Control System software platform to support integrated engine hot-fire testing with an accent on architectural ownership and real-time data pipelines. Focus on designing high-throughput data ingestion, integrating with PLC hardware, and ensuring safety-critical reliability for space orbital vehicle operations.

Location: Bordeaux, France. Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship provided.

Company

The Exploration Company is developing Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle designed for cargo and human transport.

What you will do

• Define and evolve the platform architecture for test sequence authoring and PLC configuration deployment.
• Develop production-grade full-stack code and manage the technical roadmap for the control system platform.
• Build high-throughput data pipelines for real-time ingestion, processing, and visualization of sensor data.
• Design the full lifecycle for operational sequences and configurable safety parameters.
• Establish data acquisition standards, including device configuration management and calibration traceability.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of five, setting engineering standards and conducting design and code reviews.

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience with demonstrated architectural ownership.
• Strong backend expertise in Python or C# with experience in real-time data processing pipelines.
• Proficiency in modern frontend technologies (TypeScript, Vue/React, WebSockets) for live data dashboards.
• Experience with containerization and orchestration using Docker and Kubernetes.
• Deep understanding of distributed systems, API design, and low-latency inter-process communication.
• Experience integrating software systems with PLCs or similar real-time controllers.

Nice to have

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or propulsion test operations.
• Familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT or IEC 61131-3 programming.
• Knowledge of data acquisition hardware (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, Measurement Computing).
• Experience with hardware interface protocols (Serial, CAN, Ethernet-based industrial protocols).

Culture & Benefits

• Agile environment with fast decision-making processes.
• Open and collaborative culture emphasizing transparency regarding risks and obstacles.
• Mission-driven work focused on democratizing access to space.
• Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.