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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Engineer - **Company:** Cowboy Space Corp. - **Location:** San Carlos, CA, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $100,000.0 - $200,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Computer Programming, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Distributed Systems, Hardware Interface Design, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Integrated Development Environments, Python (Programming Language), Linux System Administration, Performance Tuning, Software Systems, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Real Time Systems, Concurrency, Information Technology, Production Code - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/software-engineer-cowboy-space-corp-8295563 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field * 3+ years of experience building production software systems * Strong programming skills in languages such as C++, Python, or Rust * Experience working close to hardware, distributed systems, or real-time systems * Solid understanding of systems fundamentals (operating systems, networking, concurrency) * Experience working in fast-paced, engineering-driven environments, * Experience with flight software, embedded systems, or robotics * Background in aerospace, autonomous systems, or high-reliability environments * Experience building simulation frameworks or hardware-in-the-loop testing systems * Familiarity with Linux-based systems and low-level debugging * Experience with cloud infrastructure or distributed systems for mission operations * Track record of owning systems end-to-end in high-ownership environments ## Description As a Software Engineer at Cowboy Space Corp., you will build the systems that control, operate, and scale our spacecraft and ground infrastructure. This includes flight software, simulation, mission control systems, and the tooling needed to test and operate hardware in real time. This is a highly ownership-driven role where you'll work across the stack-from low-level systems interacting with hardware to higher-level services that enable mission operations. You'll collaborate closely with hardware teams (propulsion, power, avionics) to bring up systems, validate performance, and ensure reliable operation in demanding environments. Responsibilities * Design, build, and maintain software for spacecraft systems, ground systems, and mission operations * Develop flight software that interfaces directly with hardware and supports real-time control * Build simulation and testing frameworks to validate system behavior before deployment * Collaborate with hardware engineers to integrate, test, and debug systems end-to-end * Write performant, reliable code for resource-constrained and mission-critical environments * Develop internal tools to support testing, automation, and operational workflows * Participate in system bring-up, integration, and launch preparation activities * Monitor and support on-orbit operations, including debugging and performance optimization * Contribute to system architecture decisions across software and hardware boundaries * Balance speed, reliability, and scalability in a fast-paced development environment, * Work across the full stack-from hardware interfaces to mission operations * Direct impact on real spacecraft and on-orbit performance * Fast iteration cycles with tight hardware/software integration * High ownership and autonomy in a small, high-caliber team * Opportunity to help define software systems for a new class of space infrastructure ## Related Videos - [Coffee with developers - Brian Morrison](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/902-coffee-with-developers-brian-morrison) - [Concurrency with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/191-concurrency-with-go) - [Designing the Future of Human<>Agent Collaboration](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1447-designing-the-future-of-human-agent-collaboration) - [Green Cloud Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/592-green-cloud-computing) - [Software defines the vehicle: Why customers and developers will love cars even more](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1114-software-defines-the-vehicle-why-customers-and-developers-will-love-cars-even-more) - [Structured Concurrency in Practice: CoroutineScope vs StructuredTaskScope](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100349-structured-concurrency-in-practice-coroutinescope-vs-structuredtaskscope) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)