Flight Software Developer & Engineer

Axient - Albuquerque, NM

Full-time - Mid Level

Albuquerque, NM

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Axient is seeking an experienced Flight Software Developer and Engineer to support the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Space Monkey projects in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This position will involve a significant amount of work with the AFRL's Small Satellite Portfolio (SSP), focusing on software development, testing, and consultation. The SSP is responsible for managing a variety of small satellite missions and ground programs, with an emphasis on experimental payloads and technology missions. The goal is to develop, test, and transition small satellite technologies that align with the Hybrid Architecture vision for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. The R&D Integrated Space Experiments (RISE) contract with AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate provides a comprehensive approach to concept design, development, integration, testing, launch integration, and operations of new space technologies and engineering prototypes. This role supports a wide range of mission areas, including Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Position Navigation and Timing, Space Situational Awareness, Space Control, and Weather across various classes of satellites. In addition to supporting AFRL, the Flight Software Developer and Engineer will also contribute to the Space Monkey program, which focuses on developing commercial satellite buses for integration and deployment with both government and commercial payloads and missions. This program specializes in the concept, design, development, assembly, integration, and testing of components, subsystems, and integrated vehicles. The position is full-time and offers a flexible work schedule, although onsite work is required. The successful candidate will receive day-to-day direction from the software development team lead and may have the opportunity to lead software development teams shortly after hire. Responsibilities include developing source code in C++ or C#, compiling and testing within an integrated development environment, and creating new software features for flight and ground support. The role also involves developing test scripts in scripting languages such as bash or python, performing testing in a fast-paced environment, and providing direct technical expertise to both AFRL/SSP and the Space Monkey program. The candidate will be expected to support the research, evaluation, planning, design, development, testing, and integration of spacecraft subsystems, while also identifying and resolving complex engineering issues. Participation in program reviews, stakeholder communication, and providing engineering analysis and evaluation are also key components of this role.

Responsibilities

• Receive day-to-day direction from the software development team lead to advance flight code to space flight readiness.
• Develop source code in C++ or C# and compile and test within an integrated development environment.
• Develop new software features for flight and/or ground support software.
• Develop test scripts or other utilities in scripting languages (bash, python, etc.) and run regression tests to validate requirements at the system level.
• Perform testing in a fast-paced environment, applying bug fixes and supporting software releases.
• Learn an existing code base and bring expertise to the inner workings with the ability to reconstruct, augment, and expand system functionality.
• Provide direct technical expertise support to AFRL/SSP and Axient's Space Monkey program.
• Support the research, evaluation, planning, design, development, testing, and integration of spacecraft subsystems, products, and projects.
• Identify and resolve complex engineering issues.
• Identify program problems and assist in establishing solutions and improved processes.
• Support the engineering team in execution of various program activities, including participating in program reviews and interacting with stakeholders.
• Perform and provide engineering analysis and evaluation.
• Review and provide inputs to test plans/procedures and reports, technical data packages, and engineering-related program documentation.
• Test execution and witnessing, system maintenance, troubleshooting, configuration control, and risk management.
• Aid in the continued growth of Space Monkey by supporting bid and proposal activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering).
• 5+ years of software development and test experience.
• Experience developing in C++ and/or C#/.NET.
• Ability and willingness to develop in C++ and C#.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship and ability to complete and pass a U.S. government background investigation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance and handle/safeguard sensitive classified information in accordance with regulations.
• Must be able to work independently and possess a self-driven work style.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity and interest in learning best coding practices for embedded systems.
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems, both desktop and embedded.
• Experience with board-level test and integration.
• Knowledge and experience in designing spacecraft subsystems.
• Knowledge and experience in test and evaluation of spacecraft subsystems.
• Experience with computer systems networking and hardware integration.
• Experience in space or aerospace conditions, systems, operations, and industry.
• Familiarity with small satellites, general orbital mechanics, and space communications.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment as well as self-driven for independent tasks.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule
• Full-time position
• Onsite work requirement