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Senior Software Engineer

Cowboy Space Corporation· Software Engineering
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San Carlos, CA or Kent, WA$150k - $200kFull-timePosted 5mo ago

About the role

Software Engineer to build critical systems powering space-based compute platform, spanning flight and mission software to ground systems and simulation tools in a high-reliability, high-constrained environment.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and rigorously test high-reliability, low-latency flight software for our space-based compute platform and satellite subsystems.
  • Implement and maintain critical mission software for on-orbit operation, including command and data handling (C&DH), fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR), and secure communications.
  • Work across the stack from low-level embedded systems to higher-level mission logic, utilizing systems-level languages (C++, Rust, Python).
  • Develop software for ground systems, simulation environments, and hardware-in-the-loop testing to support integration, validation, and on-orbit operations.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware, GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control), and constellation operations, to define and implement software interfaces and ensure seamless system-level functionality.
  • Maintain detailed technical documentation, including software design documents, interface control documents, and comprehensive test plans.
  • Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and implement CI/CD pipelines to ensure robustness and safe deployment of flight and ground software.

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

Skills

Required:Embedded systemsC++Python
Nice to have:Distributed systemsRust

Benefits

  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their 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 and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
Last updated Oct 18, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Cowboy Space Corporation

Powering Humanity From the High Frontier

Cowboy Space Corp. is building a power grid in outer space for artificial intelligence. It is an integrated system of satellites and rockets to haul high-performance compute and optical data transmission down from Low Earth Orbit. Earth's energy grid can't run at the pace of AI. We can.

Orbital Data CentersAI compute in spacesolar-powered data centersLow Earth Orbitpower grid in space
Company profileWebsite

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