Flight Software Engineer II, Space Systems

Katalyst Description

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and 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 space exploration that 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. You'll 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 it's harder. You'll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. Oh, and we're dog friendly!

Benefits

• Stock options & equity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO
• Catered lunches

What You'll Do

• Develop and own embedded flight software for modules including from 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.
• Integrate flight software with avionics, GNC, communications, power, payload hardware, ground software, and mission operations, resolving timing, data, and interface issues at the system level.
• Build and maintain unit, 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.

What We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's 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.
• Strong proficiency in 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 CAN, SpaceWire, 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 $115,000 - $155,000 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.