Space Kinetic
Space Operations
SeniorReal-Time/ControlsSoftwareEngineer
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer at Space Kinetic. Skills: deterministic real-time control software, motor-control implementation, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration, GNC algorithms. lead development of deterministic real-time control software supporting high-speed electromechanical aerospace systems. own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, safety interlocks, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration for critical system functions”
What You'll Achieve.
deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system; provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy
Industry & Context.
Cleared, Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year), ITAR Requirements: applicant must be a (i) U. S. citizen or national, (ii) U. S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U. S. C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U. S. C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U. S. Department of State.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field OR Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field, 5+ years of experience in embedded software, controls software, or real-time systems development, understanding of real-time software architecture and deterministic system behavior, Experience with motor controls, actuator systems, or embedded control loops, Experience working with MATLAB/Simulink and translating models into deployable software, programming experience in C/C++ and Python, Experience supporting integration and testing of hardware/software systems
Nice to Have
Aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems background, Experience with HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) simulation and testing, Familiarity with GNC algorithms and controls development workflows, Experience supporting high-speed dynamic systems or safety-critical systems, Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, FPGA interfaces, or low-level hardware communication protocols, Startup or rapid-prototyping experience preferred
What You'll Do.
lead development of deterministic real-time control software supporting high-speed electromechanical aerospace systems
own motor-control implementation
and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration for critical system functions
Translate MATLAB/Simulink and Python-based control models into production-quality real-time software
Support development and integration of guidance
and control (GNC) related algorithms
Design and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and integration activities
and validation of control systems on prototype hardware
Develop software interfaces for sensors
and embedded hardware systems
Support system-level testing
and rapid iteration during development campaigns
Participate in technical reviews
architecture discussions
and safety-critical design decisions
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Work closely with GNC, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams during development and test; Cross-functional engineering collaboration
Full Job Description
A New Paradigm For Space Operations. Who We Are: Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy. What You’ll Do: We are seeking a Senior Real-Time / Controls Software Engineer to lead development of deterministic real-time control software supporting high-speed electromechanical aerospace systems. This role will own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, safety interlocks, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration for critical system functions. The ideal candidate understands both controls theory and low-level real-time software implementation and can translate GNC, MATLAB/Simulink, and Python-based models into reliable embedded flight-like control software operating in a fast-paced hardware development environment. Key Responsibilities: Develop deterministic real-time control software for electromechanical aerospace systems Own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, and safety interlock architecture Translate MATLAB/Simulink and Python-based control models into production-quality real-time software Support development and integration of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) related algorithms Design and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and integration activities Work closely with GNC, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams during development and test Support integration, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototype hardware Develop software interfaces for sensors, actuators
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