Flight Software Engineer II, Space Systems

Katalyst Description:

Katalyst is an American technology companyfocused on dynamic space operations.We are building a fleet ofdual-use multipurposerobotic space vehiclestocreate thefuture where maneuvering upgrading refuelingresupplyand exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained responsive operations possible we enable a new era of spaceexplorationthat strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense hands-on and deeply rewarding. Youll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility craftsmanship and doing things the right way even when its harder. Youll work closely with thoughtful driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

WhatYoullDo

• Develop and own embedded flight software formodulesincludingfrom requirements and architecture through implementation integration qualification launch and on-orbit operations.

• Implement real-time software for payload control sensor commanding data acquisition and processing telemetry time synchronization health monitoring and spacecraft interfaces.

• Translate mission and payload requirements into clear software interfaces state machines command/telemetry definitions fault responses and testable software requirements.

• Integrateflight software with avionics GNC communications power payload hardware ground software and mission operations resolving timing data and interface issues at the system level.

• Build andmaintainunit integration hardware-in-the-loop and end-to-end test capabilities; use telemetry logs and instrumentation to diagnose anomalies and drive root-cause closure.

• Design for deterministic behavior resource constraints fault tolerance graceful degradation safe-state behavior and reliable recovery in a mission-critical embedded environment.

• Own software quality through code reviews configuration management test evidence release discipline and contributions to design reviews and flight-readiness decisions.

WhatWereLooking For

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering Aerospace Engineering or a related technical discipline.

• 3 years of experience developing embedded or flight software for spacecraft aerospace defense robotics autonomous systems or other mission-critical products.

• Demonstrated ownership of embedded software from requirements and architecture through implementation integration verification deployment and operational support.

• Strongproficiencyin C and/or C with solid fundamentals in real-time and embedded software concurrency memory/resource management state machines interfaces and debugging.

• Experience with RTOS-based or embedded Linux systems device drivers board support packages bootloaders or low-level hardware interfaces.

• Hands-on experience integrating software with hardware sensors processors communication buses and test equipment in laboratory or hardware-in-the-loop environments.

• Strong technical communication skills and the ability to work effectively across flight software payload avionics GNC systems ground software test and operations teams.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced highly collaborative environment where ownership initiative and sound engineering judgment are essential.

Your Ideal Background

Preferred

• Experience developing spacecraft flight software or payload software through environmental qualification launch and on-orbit operations.

• Experience with spacecraft or embedded interfaces such as CANSpaceWire Ethernet RS-422/485 SPI I2C UART or similar buses and protocols.

• Experience with sensor or payload data pipelines time synchronization telemetry/command systems onboard processing or data reduction in resource-constrained environments.

• Experience with fault detection isolation and recovery (FDIR) watchdogs redundancy safe-state design and robust software behavior under off-nominal conditions.

• Experience with modern software engineering practices including version control automated testing CI/CD for embedded systems static analysis and configuration-controlled releases.

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $115000 - $155000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical vision and dental coverage and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130 which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information and as a result Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or national origin.