Full-Time

Principal Ground Software Engineer I

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

CesiumAstro

CesiumAstro

201-500 employees

Develops compact communication systems for space

Compensation Overview

$145k - $180k/yr

Expert

No H1B Sponsorship

Westminster, CO, USA

US Citizenship Required

Category
Embedded Engineering
Software Engineering
Required Skills
TCP/IP
Agile
Python
Java
C/C++
Development Operations (DevOps)
Linux/Unix
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • Minimum of 12 years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on satellite ground systems.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience leading a software team through product development.
  • Prior experience as a satellite operator is required to provide clarity into the true needs of the system being developed.
  • Proficiency in programming languages including Python, Java, and C++
  • Experience in satellite test and data collection applications.
  • Strong knowledge of satellite communication protocols, such as CCSDS and CSP.
  • Familiarity with ground station hardware and RF communication principles.
  • Familiarity with common RF coding schemes, such as DVBS2.
  • Experience with network architectures and protocols, including TCP/IP and UDP.
  • Experience with load balancing network applications and managing cloud-based systems.
  • Knowledge of Linux/Unix operating systems and system administration.
  • Experience with software development methodologies, including Agile and DevOps practices.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices specific to satellite and ground systems.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex software issues in real-time.
  • Optimistic, can-do attitude and the ability to produce in a chaotic environment.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, development, and deployment of ground software systems for a new satellite system, including command and control, telemetry, telemetry database, and ground station software.
  • Rapidly execute to produce a simple, reliable ground system.
  • Implement real-time data acquisition, processing, and visualization systems for satellite telemetry.
  • Integrate and test ground software with satellite, ground stations, and network infrastructure.
  • Develop automated systems for satellite operation and ground system monitoring.
  • Conduct rigorous testing and validation of ground software, including simulations and real-world scenarios.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve software issues encountered during satellite operations.
  • Conduct tests with ground networks, spacecraft software and hardware simulators.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, satellite operators, and other software teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
  • Keep up to date with the latest advancements in satellite communication technology and incorporate relevant innovations into our systems.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the software development team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with the Space Development Agency NEBULA standard.
  • Ph. D in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.

CesiumAstro creates compact communication systems specifically for space applications. Their products, such as the Nightingale Series and CommPack, are designed to be small and efficient, meeting high standards for Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C). The Nightingale Series offers a scalable architecture, while the CommPack provides low-profile communication capabilities. Additional products include the SDR-1001 software-defined radio, the SBC-1461 single-board computer, and the PCU-1C28 DC-to-DC converter. CesiumAstro differentiates itself by using advanced semiconductor and manufacturing technologies to offer affordable, mission-ready solutions tailored to clients like NASA. The company's goal is to provide modular and customizable communication payloads that meet specific mission requirements.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$208.2M

Headquarters

Austin, Texas

Founded

2017

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Increased demand for small satellite constellations aligns with CesiumAstro's scalable designs.
  • Growing interest in dual-use technologies benefits CesiumAstro's Element satellite platform.
  • Trend towards software-defined payloads boosts CesiumAstro's SDR-1001 product line.

What critics are saying

  • Lawsuit alleging trade secret disclosure could harm CesiumAstro's reputation and finances.
  • Emergence of AnySignal threatens CesiumAstro's market position and client relationships.
  • Reliance on venture capital funding pressures CesiumAstro for rapid growth and returns.

What makes CesiumAstro unique

  • CesiumAstro offers compact, high-performance communication systems for space applications.
  • Their products set a new standard for Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C).
  • CesiumAstro's modular hardware and software provide mission-specific payload configurations.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

401(k) Retirement Plan

Stock Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

5%

1 year growth

1%

2 year growth

2%
Aviation Week
Mar 16th, 2025
CesiumAstro Secures $55M for Satellite Development

CesiumAstro has secured a $55 million strategic funding increase from AFWERX to advance the development of its Element satellite, a multibeam active phased array satellite. The satellite, equipped with L-band and Ka-band payloads, is designed to enhance the capabilities of the Space Development Agency (SDA).

SatNow
Dec 4th, 2024
CesiumAstro and Axiom Space Collaborates to Develop Advanced Spacesuit Technology

CesiumAstro and Axiom Space collaborates to develop advanced spacesuit technology.

Military & Aerospace Electronics
Oct 2nd, 2024
CesiumAstro announces dual-use Element flexible phased array satellite

AUSTIN, Texas - CesiumAstro in Austin, Texas has unveiled its new satellite platform, Element, designed for use in defense and commercial sectors.

Business Wire
Jun 19th, 2024
Phillip Sarofim’s Trousdale Ventures Leads CesiumAstro Series B+ Funding Round

Trousdale Ventures, a global venture capital firm founded by Phillip Sarofim, announces its role as lead investor in the oversubscribed Series B+ fina

Finsmes
Jun 19th, 2024
CesiumAstro Raises $65M in Series B Funding

CesiumAstro Inc., an Austin, TX-based provider of space communications technology, closed a $65m Series B+ funding round