Software Engineer, Reliability (Avionics / Compute Systems)

Responsibilities

• Own software reliability for avionics and compute systems across the full lifecycle—from concept, design, radiation hardening, and integration to launch and on-orbit operations
• Design, develop, and maintain automated test and validation frameworks for embedded and high-performance compute systems
• Develop software to validate performance, stability, and fault tolerance of CPUs, GPUs, and custom accelerators under mission-representative conditions
• Execute system-level testing including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), environmental, and stress testing to identify failure modes
• Characterize system performance (latency, throughput, resource utilization) and drive optimization across hardware/software boundaries
• Investigate and resolve anomalies through deep root cause analysis, using data-driven approaches to improve system reliability
• Define reliability metrics, test plans, and acceptance criteria for flight-critical systems
• Work closely with electrical, avionics, and software teams to ensure robust integration of compute platforms into spacecraft systems
• Build internal tools to support rapid debugging, telemetry analysis, and system observability
• Support vehicle and payload bring-up, integration, and pre-flight validation efforts
• Support and participate in radiation testing campaigns of avionics and compute parts

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 4+ years of experience in software engineering, reliability engineering, or systems validation
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages
• Experience working with distributed systems, embedded systems, or high-performance compute environments
• Familiarity with debugging complex system-level issues across hardware and software
• Experience building automated test frameworks or validation infrastructure

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with avionics systems, spacecraft hardware, or embedded compute platforms
• Familiarity with GPU/accelerator-based systems and performance validation (e.g., CUDA, parallel computing)
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and system integration
• Strong background in performance analysis, profiling, and optimization
• Experience with observability tools, logging, and telemetry systems
• Understanding of fault tolerance, redundancy, and high-reliability system design
• Experience operating in fast-paced, high-ownership environments (e.g., aerospace, defense, advanced hardware startups)

Compensation and Benefits

• The salary range for this position is $150,000 – $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here .

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