Principal Flight Software Engineer
Flight Software Team Lead
Location
Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
8-12 years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
1d ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
Lead a high-performing team in the development, testing, and integration of flight software for Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle. This role involves driving architectural decisions, enforcing rigorous testing standards, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to ensure mission success.
We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Principal Flight Software Engineer (Team Lead) to lead the development of the flight software stack for Nyx. In this critical role, you will guide a team of talented engineers in building and validating the software systems that control and operate the spacecraft—from launch to docking, re-entry, and recovery.
You will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership to deliver high-reliability software under tight mission timelines. You will drive architectural decisions, enforce rigorous testing standards, and foster a culture of ownership, simulation-driven development, and cross-functional collaboration with other subsystems such as GNC, avionics, propulsion, and mission operations.
This is a high-impact leadership position where your decisions directly influence mission success.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and mentor a high-performing team of flight software engineers in the design, implementation, testing, and integration of spacecraft software.
Own the technical roadmap and execution for flight software, including architecture, modularity, and interfaces across avionics and vehicle subsystems.
Set high standards for code quality, test coverage, simulation fidelity, and system robustness.
Drive development in modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and Python, enabling safe and efficient spacecraft operations in real-time environments.
Oversee the development of test infrastructure, including unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, to ensure flight readiness.
Collaborate closely with teams across systems engineering, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and mission operations to define requirements, resolve interface challenges, and validate end-to-end behavior.
Participate in and lead code reviews, software audits, flight software simulations, and mission rehearsals.
What we would love to see from you
Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and Python.
Experience with real-time systems, embedded development, or spacecraft software.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex technical problems and drive them to resolution.
Familiarity with software testing methodologies and simulation tools.
Excellent cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration skills.
Good understanding of math & physics
Focus on detail, quality, and testing
Experience with CI/CD systems and build systems
Nice to have
Knowledge of safety critical and real-time critical software and familiarity with RTOS
Good understanding of communication protocols such as: TCP/IP, UART, CAN Bus and serialization
Experience with automotive or flight software frameworks
Background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, or space mission lifecycle.
Experience with industry standards such as AUTOSAR, ECSS, DO-178
Updated 1d ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
8-12 years
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
The Exploration Company
Team size
Growing team
Location
Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.
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Principal Flight Software Engineer
Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France • Full Time