Staff Real-Time Software Engineer

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are currently seeking a Staff Real-Time Software Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. The main responsibility of the Staff Real-Time Software Engineer is to serve as a subject-matter expert in developing Linux Kernels for advanced space robotic applications. They will lead kernel development efforts and mentor engineers on best practices, ensuring the system meets stringent safety and reliability requirements for crewed and autonomous space operations. Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!  

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical authority for kernel configuration and deployment on robotics-based avionics platforms
• Design, implement, integrate, and maintain kernel-based software for space avionics
• Perform board bring-up for new avionics hardware, including processor initialization, bootloader configuration, and peripheral driver development
• Implement task scheduling, memory partitioning, and time partitioning in alignment with mission safety standards
• Develop and integrate device drivers for rover avionics subsystems
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, and robotics teams to define and implement fault-tolerant operating system configurations
• Support hardware/software integration using engineering models, simulators, and hardware-in-the-loop testbeds
• Document OS configuration, integration steps, and operational procedures to flight-certifiable standards

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering or related field

• 5+ years in embedded software or avionics systems for space or mission-critical robotics applications

• 3+ in Linux kernel setup, configuration and BSP customization

• Hands-on board bring-up experience for avionics or robotics hardware

• Strong proficiency in C for embedded system development

• Experience with real-time debugging, timing analysis and performance optimization

• Experience working with SPI, RS485/422, ADCs, Spacewire

• Experience with deterministic networking, symmetric multiprocessors (SMP) and safety-critical software architecture

• Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines

• Excellent organization and time management skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• U.S. Person

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior work with crewed vehicle avionics architecture or planetary robotics
• Time-sensitive Networking (TSN) protocol configuration and validation for deterministic Ethernet
• Experience working with NASA core flight system (cFS)
• Familiarity with space mission development phases and associated documentation and standards
• Experience with VxWorks 7 DKMs and RTPs
• Experience with OCI containerization

Compensation & Benefits: Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
• Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
• Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
• Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
• Parental leave
• Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.