Senior Ground Software Engineer

Posted 6 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Westminster, CO, USA
In-Office
133K-161K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Hardware • Software • Defense
CesiumAstro creates out-of-the-box communication systems for space and airborne platforms.
The Role
Design, develop, deploy, integrate, and test ground software for satellite command and control, telemetry, ground stations, and monitoring. Build real-time data acquisition and visualization systems, automate satellite operations, troubleshoot operational issues, and validate software using simulators and real-world scenarios. Collaborate with hardware engineers and satellite operators while providing technical leadership and mentorship.
Summary Generated by Built In
Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
 
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are seeking a Senior Ground Software Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience as a satellite operator, offering unique insights into the systems they will be building and integrating. 
 
Your work will have a direct impact on the success of the company. You will work closely with the engineering team, program management to ensure the successful build and launch of our satellite. Element will be the largest, most powerful rideshare satellite in LEO. We’re launching eight of them in the next four years, starting with our first launch this year.  Together, our small team will design, build, and iterate to reduce mass and cost while increasing performance, reliability, and manufacturability of a new generation of satellites. Let’s build! 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Execute the design, development, and deployment of ground software systems for a new satellite system, including command and control, telemetry, telemetry database, and ground station software. 
  • Rapidly execute to produce a simple, reliable ground system. 
  • Implement real-time data acquisition, processing, and visualization systems for satellite telemetry. 
  • Integrate and test ground software with satellite, ground stations, and network infrastructure. 
  • Develop automated systems for satellite operation and ground system monitoring. 
  • Conduct rigorous testing and validation of ground software, including simulations and real-world scenarios. 
  • Troubleshoot and resolve software issues encountered during satellite operations. 
  • Conduct tests with ground networks, spacecraft software and hardware simulators. 
  • Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, satellite operators, and other software teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance. 
  • Keep up to date with the latest advancements in satellite communication technology and incorporate relevant innovations into our systems. 
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the software development team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on satellite ground systems. 
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.  
  • Demonstrated experience leading a software team through product development.  
  • Prior experience as a satellite operator is required to provide clarity into the true needs of the system being developed. 
  • Proficiency in programming languages including Python, Java, and C++ 
  • Experience in satellite test and data collection applications. 
  • Strong knowledge of satellite communication protocols, such as CCSDS and CSP. 
  • Familiarity with ground station hardware and RF communication principles. 
  • Familiarity with common RF coding schemes, such as DVBS2. 
  • Experience with network architectures and protocols, including TCP/IP and UDP. 
  • Experience with load balancing network applications and managing cloud-based systems. 
  • Knowledge of Linux/Unix operating systems and system administration. 
  • Experience with software development methodologies, including Agile and DevOps practices. 
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices specific to satellite and ground systems. 
  • Strong problem-solving-skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex software issues in real-time. 
  • Optimistic, can-do attitude and the ability to produce in a chaotic environment. 
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment. 

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

  • Experience with the Space Development Agency NEBULA standard. 
  • Ph. D in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. 

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
 
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Skills Required

  • Minimum 5 years of software engineering experience focused on satellite ground systems
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience leading a software team through product development
  • Prior experience as a satellite operator
  • Proficiency in Python, Java, and C++
  • Experience with satellite test and data collection applications
  • Knowledge of satellite communication protocols, including CCSDS and CSP
  • Familiarity with ground station hardware and RF communication principles
  • Familiarity with RF coding schemes such as DVB-S2
  • Experience with TCP/IP and UDP network protocols
  • Experience with load-balancing network applications and cloud-based systems
  • Knowledge of Linux/Unix operating systems and system administration
  • Experience with Agile and DevOps software development practices
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices for satellite and ground systems
  • Strong real-time software troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary teams
  • Experience with the Space Development Agency NEBULA standard
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

CesiumAstro Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about CesiumAstro and has not been reviewed or approved by CesiumAstro.

  • Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, plus FSAs and mental health benefits. Feedback suggests the health package is comprehensive for a growth-stage aerospace firm.
  • Retirement Support — Offerings include a 401(k) with company matching and other retirement-plan elements. Feedback suggests core retirement mechanisms are in place alongside standard financial benefits.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — Generous PTO, paid holidays, paid sick days, and bereavement leave are included. Feedback suggests time-off options are broad on paper across multiple leave types.

CesiumAstro Insights

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The Company
HQ: Austin, TX
400 Employees
Year Founded: 2017

What We Do

We build high-throughput, plug-and-play phased array communication payloads for space and airborne platforms. CesiumAstro’s full-stack, multi-mission hardware and software products enable a diverse range of commercial and defense objectives. Full-system engineering design is at the heart of every CesiumAstro product. We deliver high-performance solutions under rapid development timelines.

Why Work With Us

At CesiumAstro, we’re a team. We’re passionate, respectful, and determined colleagues ready to help at a moment’s notice. We’re mentors excited to enable our peers with the knowledge they need to succeed. Together, we’re visionaries committing to building memories that will last a lifetime.

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