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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Flight Software Engineer - **Company:** The Exploration Company - **Location:** München, Germany - **Salary:** €85,000.0 - €130,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, AUTomotive Open System Architecture (AUTOSAR), C++ (Programming Language), CAN Bus, Code Coverage, Software Quality, Code Review, Communications Protocols, Continuous Integration, Serialization, Embedded Software, Python (Programming Language), Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Systems, TCP/IP, Strategies of Testing, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, Real Time Systems, Orbital Mechanics, Build Tools, C++14 - **Published:** July 20, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.de/details/5640320886 ## About the Role * 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 ## Description 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. 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., * 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. ## Related Videos - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [A Hitchhikers Guide to Container Security - Automotive Edition 2024](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1119-a-hitchhikers-guide-to-container-security-automotive-edition-2024) - [Agile work at CARIAD – Creating a customer web application for controlling the vehicle ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/200-agile-work-at-cariad-creating-a-customer-web-application-for-controlling-the-vehicle) - [Turning Container security up to 11 with Capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/718-turning-container-security-up-to-11-with-capabilities) - [Car's are Technology on Wheels - Impact of Software and IT Competence in Automotive](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/780-car-s-are-technology-on-wheels-impact-of-software-and-it-competence-in-automotive) - [Developer Tools for Microsoft Azure](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/450-developer-tools-for-microsoft-azure) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers)