Flight Software Engineer

About the Role

Rendezvous Robotics is developing electromagnetic self-assembling tiles for modular spacecraft components to create larger and more powerful spacecraft. This is an early career role for software and computer engineers on a small team in Golden, Colorado, with a focus on building the next generation of advanced spacecraft.

Key Responsibilities

• Get up to speed on writing software for space, including fault tolerance, radiation upsets, and updating vehicles in orbit.
• Develop flight software in C++ and C, from device drivers and firmware to components that connect subsystems.
• Work with embedded Linux on flight computers: building images, debugging on target, and maintaining services.
• Develop microcontroller firmware for sensors and actuators.
• Build tests, set up CI, and create hardware-in-the-loop systems.
• Integrate new boards into the software stack with the avionics team.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Real programming ability in C or C++, demonstrated through coursework, research, or projects.
• Experience writing software that interacts with physical hardware (e.g., microcontrollers, sensors, motors, robots).
• Comfort working in Linux from the command line.
• Proficiency with git.
• A working understanding of fundamental programming concepts: memory, pointers, and processor execution.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Two years or less of relevant professional experience (internships and co-ops do not count).

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in an engineering student organization (e.g., Formula SAE, rocketry club, CubeSat/satellite team, robotics team, Solar Car), particularly with software or electronics ownership and successful project completion.
• An internship or co-op in embedded, aerospace, robotics, or automotive software.
• Experience with microcontroller firmware (e.g., STM32, ESP32) on an RTOS or bare metal.
• Familiarity with serial buses (UART, SPI, I2C) and bringing up new devices.
• Experience with Python for test and tooling, CMake, and CI.
• Familiarity with flight software or robotics frameworks such as F Prime or ROS.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $85,000 - $115,000
• Base salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
• Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of stock options.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• Eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

ITAR Requirements

Applicants must be a:

• U.S. citizen or national.
• U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder).
• Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157.
• Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or eligible to obtain necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.