Software Engineer at outpost-space

Software Engineer

Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week)

Outpost is pioneering Earth return logistics for space. We're building vehicles that can return payloads from orbit safely and precisely enabling faster space-based manufacturing, global delivery, and entirely new capabilities in the space economy. Our spacecraft is already backed by the U.S. government with multiple missions ahead. We're a mission-focused team, building with urgency, grit, and care for the work we do and the people we do it with.

The Team

We're looking for a Software Engineer to design, build, and test the flight and ground software behind Outpost's return vehicles. This role spans everything from software that flies on the vehicle to the tools and infrastructure that support testing, telemetry, and operations. You'll work closely with avionics, GN&C, and integration and test teams, and you'll have direct ownership over the systems you build from design through flight.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and test flight and ground software for the return vehicle
• Support software integration with avionics and GN&C systems
• Build tools and infrastructure to support vehicle testing, telemetry, and data analysis
• Debug and resolve software issues during integration, test, and flight operations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define software requirements
• Support flight readiness reviews and mission operations as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of professional software development experience
• Strong proficiency in C++, Python, or similar languages used in flight or embedded software
• Experience with real-time or embedded systems a plus
• Understanding of software development best practices: version control, testing, code review
• Ability to work cross-functionally with avionics, GN&C, and test teams
• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort working in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Experience

• Experience with flight software, GN&C, or autonomy systems
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Background at a launch vehicle, satellite, or spacecraft company
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and test automation

Compensation:

• Competitive compensation: $150,000 - $220,000 annual salary; (commensurate with experience).
• Additional Compensation: Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
• Shared upside: Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental.
• Protection when it matters: Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
• PTO: Recharge on your own terms with paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
• Invest in your future:401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
• Fueled for the mission: Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
• Mission that matters: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
• Pet Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
• Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more!

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S.