Job Details

Ground Software Engineer

As a Ground Software Engineer at Firefly Aerospace, you will design and build the mission‑critical systems that operate our spacecraft and from the ground. This role requires full‑stack expertise to deliver robust web applications, backend services, databases, and cloud infrastructure that power spacecraft commanding, telemetry, and real‑time control.

You will develop ground systems that interface directly with our vehicles, supporting everything from pre‑launch checkout to on‑orbit operations. With strong skills in modern software technologies and a deep understanding of real‑time control systems, you will create reliable, secure, and scalable software that ensures Firefly missions succeed from liftoff to lunar landing.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain spacecraft ground software systems, spanning front‑end, back‑end, databases, and cloud services.
• Develop real‑time control interfaces for commanding and telemetry visualization.
• Build and maintain React‑based web applications for operator consoles and mission control tools.
• Develop backend services in Python and integrate with spacecraft APIs and communication protocols.
• Design, optimize, and maintain database solutions for mission telemetry and historical data.
• Deploy and manage containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes.
• Implement cloud infrastructure and scaling solutions in AWS for mission operations.
• Integrate CI/CD pipelines and DevOps best practices to accelerate development and deployment.
• Collaborate with flight software, GNC, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless end‑to‑end vehicle integration.
• Contribute to operations software for rehearsals, test campaigns, and live mission execution.

Qualifications

Required:

• BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience as a full‑stack software engineer.
• Strong experience with databases (SQL and/or NoSQL).
• Experience deploying applications with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Hands‑on experience with AWS services (EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, etc.).
• Experience designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI, Jenkins, or similar).
• Familiarity with DevOps practices including monitoring, observability, and infrastructure as code.
• Experience developing and integrating real‑time control systems.
• Strong knowledge of networking, APIs, and secure software design.
• MS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.
• Experience with spacecraft or aerospace ground systems.
• Background in real‑time data visualization and operator console development.
• Experience with mission simulation, hardware‑in‑the‑loop, or flatsat test environments.
• Familiarity with aerospace communication standards (CCSDS, telemetry/command formats).
• Security certifications or experience with mission‑critical cybersecurity.
• Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO for exempt employees
• 3‑month sabbatical for every 5 years of service
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Mental health services
• Paid military leave
• 12 weeks paid maternity leave
• 4 weeks paid spouse leave
• $20k toward family planning: fertility, surrogacy, adoption
• Dog friendly workplace
• $10k/year toward trade school or college
• Ongoing coaching to advance leadership skills
• Employee-ownership with stock bonuses
• 4% Safe Harbor 401(k) matching
• $10k bonus for home purchase in Cedar Park, Texas