Flight Software Architect

Axiom Space is a human space exploration company building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions to empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow.

About the role

We are looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced Flight Software Architect with deep technical expertise in systems-level thinking and a background in aerospace domain knowledge. This role will be responsible for architecting aerospace software applications for the Axiom Space Commercial Space program in Houston, TX. Candidates with a solid foundation in translating mission requirements into software architecture are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Define flight software architectures to build robust real-time safety-critical software systems.
• Collaborate with teams to define software requirements, architectures, and designs and lead verification to ensure software products meet requirements and safety-critical standards.
• Oversee development of fault-tolerant flight software responsible for the overall command and control of an autonomous space vehicle.
• Oversee efforts to integrate software components, create and run unit tests, validate on Hardware-in-the-Loop, and release real-time embedded solutions.
• Lead and contribute to technical documentation for architecture, design, and verification plans.
• Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
• Implement and maintain agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

This is a technical leadership role with no direct reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years’ experience in mission-critical software development, preferably in aerospace.
• Experience designing, deploying, and supporting flight control systems (or similar complexity).
• Experience in development of real-time embedded systems, including system design, analysis, development, implementation, integration, verification, qualification, and release.
• Experience in build automation, continuous integration, configuration management, verification, and deployment of software.
• Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is required.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills

• Familiarity with embedded systems architectures (bare-metal & RTOS-based systems).
• Familiarity with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
• Understanding of C/C++, Rust for safety-critical systems.
• Familiarity with flight software design for spacecraft, launch vehicles, UAVs, or avionics.
• Strong understanding of network protocols, including TCP/IP and UDP.
• Familiarity with spacecraft communications protocols is preferred.
• Knowledge of redundancy management & high-reliability architectures.
• Exposure to software development in Linux environments.
• Experience supporting aerospace or defense programs.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Technical Rigor
• Execution Discipline
• Pride of Delivery

Embody core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork.

Work Environment

• Generally an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.
• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time).
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time).
• Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.).