Senior Ground Software Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Ground Software Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience as a satellite operator, offering unique insights into the systems they will be building and integrating.

Your work will have a direct impact on the success of the company. You will work closely with the engineering team, program management to ensure the successful build and launch of our satellite. Element will be the largest, most powerful rideshare satellite in LEO. We’re launching eight of them in the next four years, starting with our first launch this year. Together, our small team will design, build, and iterate to reduce mass and cost while increasing performance, reliability, and manufacturability of a new generation of satellites. Let’s build!

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute the design, development, and deployment of ground software systems for a new satellite system, including command and control, telemetry, telemetry database, and ground station software.
• Rapidly execute to produce a simple, reliable ground system.
• Implement real-time data acquisition, processing, and visualization systems for satellite telemetry.
• Integrate and test ground software with satellite, ground stations, and network infrastructure.
• Develop automated systems for satellite operation and ground system monitoring.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of ground software, including simulations and real-world scenarios.
• Troubleshoot and resolve software issues encountered during satellite operations.
• Conduct tests with ground networks, spacecraft software and hardware simulators.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, satellite operators, and other software teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
• Keep up to date with the latest advancements in satellite communication technology and incorporate relevant innovations into our systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the software development team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on satellite ground systems.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading a software team through product development.
• Prior experience as a satellite operator is required to provide clarity into the true needs of the system being developed.
• Proficiency in programming languages including Python, Java, and C++
• Experience in satellite test and data collection applications.
• Strong knowledge of satellite communication protocols, such as CCSDS and CSP.
• Familiarity with ground station hardware and RF communication principles.
• Familiarity with common RF coding schemes, such as DVBS2.
• Experience with network architectures and protocols, including TCP/IP and UDP.
• Experience with load balancing network applications and managing cloud-based systems.
• Knowledge of Linux/Unix operating systems and system administration.
• Experience with software development methodologies, including Agile and DevOps practices.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices specific to satellite and ground systems.
• Strong problem-solving-skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex software issues in real-time.
• Optimistic, can-do attitude and the ability to produce in a chaotic environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience with the Space Development Agency NEBULA standard.
• Ph. D in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.