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Inversion Space

Low-cost cargo re-entry services for space

Autonomy Engineer 1

Embedded EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timePlaya Vista, Los Angeles, CA, USA$71k - $124k /yr

About the Job

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent technical experience.
  • Typically 1+ years of internship, academic research, or professional experience developing software for autonomous systems, robotics, or aerospace vehicles.
  • Strong foundational programming skills in C++ and Python within a Linux-based development environment.
  • Basic understanding of finite state machines, object-oriented software design, or event-driven programming architectures.
  • Familiarity with standard software development tools such as Git, build systems, and debuggers.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Implement and test vehicle-level state machines, flight sequencing, and mission autonomy routines in C++/Rust.
  • Support the development and verification of robust fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) software modules.
  • Set up, run, and evaluate software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations to validate nominal and off-nominal autonomous behaviors.
  • Write comprehensive unit tests, integration tests, and automated test scripts to ensure flight software quality.
  • Analyze telemetry and log files from integrated test runs to troubleshoot software anomalies and state-machine transitions.
  • Document autonomy logic, interface definitions, and test results to support vehicle system-level qualification.
  • Collaborate with systems, GNC, and avionics engineers to define mission phases, command scripts, and automated hazard controls.

Desired Qualifications

  • Basic understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded systems, or hardware-software interfaces.
  • Familiarity with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or UAV flight phases and operations.
  • Demonstrated technical execution through collegiate engineering teams such as Formula SAE, rocket clubs, or robotics design groups.
  • Prior internship experience in a fast-paced aerospace or robotics startup environment.

About the Company

Inversion Space

Low-cost cargo re-entry services for space

Inversion Space builds low-cost, high-frequency re-entry vehicles to bring cargo and resources back from space. The core idea is to provide cargo return services from low-earth orbit and beyond, working with space agencies and private companies under service contracts and partnerships. Their product works by using reusable or versatile re-entry systems to safely carry valuable materials from space back to Earth, enabling clients to shuttle resources, samples, or equipment home for analysis or use. The company differentiates itself by emphasizing affordable, high-cadence return capabilities and a service-based model rather than just selling hardware, aiming to simplify and scale the process of bringing material back from space. The overarching goal is to make returning from space as common and practical as launching to space, supporting the sustainability and growth of space operations.

Company size
51-200
Company stage
Series A
Total funding
$126.8M
Headquarters
Los Angeles, CA
Founded
2021

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