Spacecraft Flight Computing Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Spacecraft Flight Computing Engineer (Aerospace): Designing and implementing real-time embedded computing systems for spacecraft avionics with an accent on fault-tolerance and radiation resilience. Focus on developing RTOS/Linux environments, FPGA design, and deterministic IP networking using TSN and PTP.

Location: Hybrid in California, USA. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders) due to federal regulations (ITAR/EAR).

Salary: $125,000 – $165,000 per year + Equity

Company

Developing Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle designed for cargo and potentially human transport.

What you will do

• Design and maintain real-time embedded computing systems for spacecraft avionics.
• Implement fault-tolerant computing techniques to ensure reliability against radiation-induced upsets (SEUs, TID).
• Develop and optimize RTOS and Linux-based real-time environments, including kernels, bootloaders, and device drivers.
• Perform hardware design (schematic capture, PCB layout) using Altium Designer with radiation-tolerant practices.
• Develop and validate FPGA designs (VHDL/Verilog) using mitigation strategies like TMR, ECC, and scrubbing.
• Configure and troubleshoot deterministic IP networking using TSN and PTP for spacecraft system synchronization.

Requirements

• Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python for embedded software development.
• Hands-on experience with real-time systems, Linux-based embedded computing, and fault-tolerant methods.
• Knowledge of IP networking (TCP/IP, UDP) and experience implementing TSN and PTP in mission-critical environments.
• Understanding of radiation effects on electronics and software mitigation strategies.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

Nice to have

• Experience with multi-gigabit SERDES interfaces (SGMII, PCI Express, Serial RapidIO).
• Strong skills in hardware design using Altium Designer or Cadence Allegro.
• Familiarity with multi-core ARM-based SoC architecture and bare-metal coding.
• Exposure to radiation testing (heavy-ion, proton, or TID) and analysis.
• Prior experience supporting active space missions.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plans with company match.
• Paid time off, holidays, and leave programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Agile and collaborative engineering culture focused on hands-on innovation.
• Relocation assistance is provided.