Spacecraft Avionics Software Engineer

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. Bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth.

About the role

As NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider, we have an exciting opportunity for a Spacecraft Avionics Software Engineer to join the JETSII Contract. This role involves designing, developing, and integrating embedded software for spacecraft motion-control and actuation subsystems, including mechanisms, actuators, and components requiring real-time deterministic behavior.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate embedded software for spacecraft motion-control and actuation subsystems.
• Implement software products that interface seamlessly with those developed by other Software Engineers, supporting integrated subsystem functionality.
• Track, coordinate, and respond to time-critical tasks in JIRA, including software implementation, integration issues, and anomaly resolution.
• Document development artifacts thoroughly in Confluence, including user guides, software behavior descriptions, interface details, and developer documentation.
• Write clear, maintainable, and well-commented code, along with comprehensive Git README files.
• Develop and refine software requirements specifications for safety-critical, real-time motion-control systems.
• Prepare and present technical content for software team meetings, subsystem tag-ups, integration reviews, demonstrations, and major design reviews in formats such as Confluence or PowerPoint.
• Conduct software testing and verification, including:
  • Developing inherently testable real-time control applications.
  • Configuring logging and telemetry systems.
  • Executing simulation-based testing and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) verification.
  • Integrating with dynamics and kinematics models.
• Build a deep understanding of system architecture, motion-control algorithms, subsystem interfaces, and dynamic system behavior.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced Agile environment with continuous integration and iterative development.
• Demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, negotiation, and coordination skills.
• Maintain a strong customer-service mindset in all interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent certification in a related area and a minimum of 5 years of experience in the field or a related area.
• Experience working on an Integrated Product Team developing and testing high-criticality or human-rated software.
• Experience developing software requirements for safety-critical systems.
• Experience with software verification tools, automated test frameworks, and time-synchronized software/dynamics simulation environments.
• Proficiency in C/C++ development in a Linux environment, including embedded and real-time contexts.
• Experience with Python or other scripting languages for automation and testing.
• Familiarity with web-based collaboration tools such as Confluence, JIRA, and GitLab.
• Experience with Agile software development practices.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to rapidly learn complex integrated systems.

Preferences

• Experience working with high-autonomy systems or advanced motion-control subsystems.
• Experience developing embedded or motion-control software across the full software development life cycle.
• Familiarity with:
  • MS Teams
  • Slack
  • SharePoint
  • Safety and flight-critical software development.
  • NASA software and systems development standards (e.g., NPR 7150).

Benefits

• Excellent personal and professional career growth opportunities.
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable.
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching).
• Educational reimbursement.
• Parental leave.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Tax-saving options.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Pet insurance.

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements.

Work Environment

• Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time).
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
• Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).
• Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust to meet peak periods and surge requirements.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position. Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.