Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer

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
• Support integration, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototype hardware
• Develop software interfaces for sensors, actuators, motor controllers, and embedded hardware systems
• Participate in technical reviews and safety-critical design decisions

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in embedded software, controls software, or real-time systems development
• Strong 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
• Strong programming experience in C/C++ and Python
• Experience supporting integration and testing of hardware/software systems
• Experience working with space systems

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or Computer Science
• 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

About the Company

Space Kinetic is a dual-use space technology startup building a new architecture for space operations, bringing the advantages of proliferated drone technology to space missions while reducing reliance on consumable fuel.