Karman+
We are inventors, designers, engineers, scientists, tinkerers, entrepreneurs, adventurers, artists, activists, global citizens, architects, musicians, builders, writers, athletes and space nerds. We partner with the best minds and most experienced teams across industry and academia, bringing together the knowledge, experience, and skills required to navigate our critical path.
Mission
We want to mine space resources from near-Earth asteroids to provide abundant, sustainable energy and resources in space and for Earth.
Vision
Asteroid mining has lived at the intersection of scientific research and popular culture for decades, with as many academic papers published as there are books, TV shows and movies about it.
Access to resources, with its finite nature and disparate distribution, plays an essential part in the geopolitical web of power and wealth. It has defined economic growth to such an extent that we have been using them as primary demarcation lines and identifiers in our history, from the stone to bronze and iron age to our current silicon age.
But our resources-driven growth faces a massive existential challenge, with climate change, ecosystem degradation and resource depletion demanding a complete reset. Humanity needs to shift global transportation, manufacturing, construction and energy onto a sustainable path.
Expanding beyond the Kármán line is where we believe transformative future growth and innovation will be found. Recent missions by NASA (OSIRIS-REx & DART) and JAXA (Hayabusa2) have firmly pushed the idea of using space resources from academic research into commercial opportunity.
We believe the Regolith Age, powered by abundant space resources, is an inevitability that we can accelerate.
We value these principles:
- Diversity of thought. We believe that different perspectives drive better results. We aim to build diverse teams and a diverse company.
- Ownership, feedback and accountability. Ideas improve through collaboration, discussion and iteration. Decisions don’t follow the same pattern and revert to the mean when made in a group. We aim to have clear ownership, accountability for results and autonomy to deliver.
- No silos. We build cross-functional teams to be able to deliver on our goals. There are no predefined lanes for people to operate in, information is pushed out across all teams to make sure we benefit from cross-pollination.
- High talent bar, no assholes. We optimize for potential and a growth mindset. We value experience, but only when balanced with self-awareness and first principles thinking.
- Small is beautiful. The best results as well as the best work experience come from a small team of talented people working towards a common goal.
Position: Senior Software Engineer
Location: Denver, CO
Position Type: Full-time
Why this role matters to our organization:
As a pioneering asteroid mining company committed to unlocking the vast potential of space resources, the role of Senior Software Engineer is central to the success of our mission. Spacecraft operations rely extensively on sophisticated software, and your leadership in this critical position will be instrumental in shaping the trajectory of our endeavors.
What it takes to be successful in this role:
To excel as a Senior Software Engineer, success hinges on a combination of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and a passion for advancing space exploration. Here are the key elements that define success in this role:
- Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate mastery of Real-Time Operating Systems and Linux, with a deep understanding of spacecraft communication protocols, particularly in C and C++.
- Flexibility in Toolsets: Be open to using dynamic languages like Python or Lua for less time-critical software components, enabling high-level, expressive development and facilitating collaboration with non-flight software engineers.
- Leadership and Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment that encourages open communication, feedback, and cross-functional teamwork.
- Innovative Problem-Solving: Exhibit a creative approach to solving challenges in the dynamic and evolving landscape of space exploration.
- Initiative and Adaptability: Demonstrate a proactive and self-driven work ethic, taking ownership of tasks and initiatives. Adapt seamlessly to the dynamic and challenging nature of the space exploration field.
Summary
We are seeking a talented and experienced Senior Software Engineer to assist in our mission software development. As a subject matter expert in software domains, processes, and system-specific challenges, you will play a pivotal role in architecting and developing the software infrastructure necessary for the success of our mission.
Job Responsibilities & Functions
- Serve as a subject matter expert for software domains, processes, and system-specific issues, providing guidance across internal teams.
- Develop and maintain code for flight computers and distributed microcontrollers, ensuring fault-tolerant design and efficient system interoperability.
- Architect and implement software solutions for command and data handling, state management, telemetry, thermal, battery, and fault detection and recovery.
- Collaborate with GNC, Excavation, and Avionics teams to integrate their systems into flight software, including embedded control software for excavation actuators, thrusters, and communication systems.
- Incorporate and build upon existing frameworks, such as cFS or F', to streamline development and enhance system reliability.
- Support the development and testing of navigation software, including sensor management, state estimation, and sensor fusion algorithms.
- Champion the implementation of processor-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, and hardware-in-the-loop testing, on-vehicle functional testing, and flight testing to validate and ensure system readiness.
Experience
- Proven expertise in software design, development, and verification, including debugging, performance optimization, and testing of embedded systems.
- Demonstrated experience with build systems, version control, and testing methodologies.
- Proficiency in C and C++ and at least one dynamic language, such as Python, with an emphasis on enabling rapid development and collaboration.
- Significant experience in the software lifecycle, with a focus on test-driven development (TDD) and maintaining automated testing frameworks.
- Expertise in implementing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines to ensure code quality, facilitate rapid iteration, and support continuous integration and deployment.
- Experience with at least one flight software framework, such as cFS or F', and adapting it to meet mission-specific needs.
Bonus Experience
- Demonstrated expertise in hardware/software integration and testing, including sensor device drivers and low-level I/O.
- Proficiency in vision-based navigation, including image processing, feature detection, and implementing state estimation algorithms such as Kalman filters.
- Familiarity with software safety and hazard analysis, including methodologies such as failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).
- Proficiency with spacecraft and other standard communication protocols, such as , SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, RS-422/485, RS-232, CAN Bus, TCP/IP, MIPI, and GMSL.
- Background in implementing autonomous systems or algorithms for space missions, such as motion planning or trajectory optimization.
- Experience with cross-compilation and development for resource-constrained environments.
- Hands-on experience with flight operations, particularly for interplanetary or deep-space missions.
- Familiarity with space industry standards for software development, such as ECSS or DO-178C.
- Ability to think creatively and adapt quickly to evolving technical challenges in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Requirements
- 5+ years’ experience in software development (experience with autonomous systems and navigation is a big plus).
- BS or MS in computer science, aerospace engineering, or related technical field.
- Demonstrated experience with Real-time Operating Systems.
- You are authorized to work in the U.S. as a US citizen (or equivalent) and are able to meet ITAR related requirements.
Additional Information
We Offer
For salaried positions: Our cash compensation amount for this role is targeted at $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 annually in this location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amount listed above.
Top Benefits & Perks
As a member of the Karman+ team, you’ll enjoy an impressive benefits package:
- Equity Incentives - Participate in our shared success.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans for top tier plans with additional buy-up plan options.
- Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability covered by Karman+
- Basic Life Insurance covered by Karman+
- 401k plan
- Unlimited Paid Time Off - We focus on what you get done, not how many hours or days you work.
Location & Work Environment
This position is full-time in-person at our offices & lab in Denver, CO. If you reside in locations outside of daily commuting distance you will be considered, however, no relocation or travel assistance will be provided by Karman+ for this position. This position operates in an office environment. This entails working inside in an office space wherein you may be provided with a public work station (cubicle) or private offices. In the performance of the duties and responsibilities of this job, you will be required to view a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.
Travel
Occasional travel to work site locations may be expected. Overnight stays may be required from time to time for training, seminars, conferences, meetings, events, or visits to onsite locations.
Disclaimer
This job posting is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Karman+ reserves the right to change or assign additional duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice.
Hiring Practices
Karman+ is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact hr@karmanplus.com.
Come work with us...
- We are crazy ambitious but the timing is right. Be part of the team looking to make it happen.
- We are looking to build things to put in space quickly.
- We emphasize creativity and innovation and resources are available to support good ideas.
- Join a team of people working toward the same ambitious goal.
- We are an engaging team looking to empower our teammates.
- You can have a share in the company value creation.
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay tuned on upcoming roles with Karman+.
If you know someone who'd be a great addition to our team, please encourage them to apply for this role or for our General Application.
