Full-Time
Ground Software Engineer
Posted on 8/20/2026
Reflect Orbital
51-200 employees
Space-based mirrors delivering sunlight-on-demand
Compensation Overview
$120k - $190k/yr
Hawthorne, CA, USA
In Person
Bachelor's
 Software Engineering (1) |
|---|
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- A bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
- At least 3 years of experience developing ground systems software, including services, application programming interfaces, and applications.
- Experience deploying and operating software on Amazon Web Services, including container orchestration with Kubernetes and continuous integration/continuous delivery systems.
- Strong understanding of networking protocols, routing, virtual private networks, and secure connectivity.
- Knowledge of satellite ground systems, including ground station networking, antenna interfaces, and radio-frequency subsystems.
- Experience working with Ground Station-as-a-Service providers.
- Experience building services around databases and real-time data, including relational or time-series data.
- Familiarity with Linux environments and command-line tools.
- Strong programming and scripting skills.
- Experience with DevOps tools and practices, including Git, Docker, and continuous integration/continuous delivery.
- Design, develop, and maintain ground software for satellite operations, including telemetry ingestion, processing, and display, as well as command generation and uplink workflows.
- Build operator-facing tools and dashboards to support the operations team.
- Design and build automation for pass execution, routine commanding, and alerting to reduce manual operator workload.
- Deploy and operate ground software on Amazon Web Services and Kubernetes while maintaining continuous integration/continuous delivery pipelines, configuration management, and infrastructure as code.
- Support integration of ground station hardware and network interfaces, including radios, routers, and antenna controllers.
- Configure and test Ground Station-as-a-Service connections and validate end-to-end data paths between satellites, ground stations, and cloud infrastructure in coordination with mission operations and radio-frequency engineers.
- Monitor system and network health using in-house and third-party observability tools.
- Validate ground software against simulators and test environments before operational use.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues spanning software, networks, ground stations, and mission systems.
- Provide 24/7 on-call support for mission-critical ground systems.
- Experience with C++.
- Experience building software for multi-satellite constellation operations.
Reflect Orbital aims to provide Sunlight-as-a-Service by deploying a constellation of satellites with large Mylar mirrors that reflect sunlight onto Earth after dark. The system uses mirrors in low Earth orbit to target ground sites during nighttime or pre-dawn/post-sunset periods, enabling solar farms to extend operation hours and offering on-demand illumination for industries and emergencies. It differentiates itself by owning orbital assets and launch capabilities to control timing and targeting, monetizing space-based daylight rather than upgrading ground infrastructure. The goal is to deliver a scalable, reliable source of supplemental daylight and lighting from space to improve grid resilience and broaden energy and lighting options.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
Seed
Total Funding
$6.5M
Headquarters
Santa Monica, California
Founded
2021
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- The FCC approved Eärendil-1 on July 9, 2026, unlocking launch execution.
- AFWERX awarded $1.25 million on June 3, 2025, validating defense demand.
- Sequoia, Lux Capital, and Starship Ventures back a capital-intensive roadmap with momentum.
What critics are saying
- Astronomers and dark-sky groups forced a narrow FCC fight, not commercial acceptance.
- A 50,000-satellite vision invites new licensing battles, likely delaying scale past 2032.
- Single-mission failure on Eärendil-1 would kill customer trust and existentially stall financing.
What makes Reflect Orbital unique
- Reflect Orbital’s July 9, 2026 FCC win validates orbiting sunlight redirection hardware.
- Eärendil-1’s 18-meter reflector and brief targeted illumination are unusually specific infrastructure.
- Ben Nowack and Tristan Semmelhack pair SpaceX, Zipline, and Stanford execution pedigree.
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↑ 2%The private satellites ruining its night sky legally. For thousands of years, humans have looked up at the night sky and seen the same stars that guided ancient mariners and inspired countless generations of astronomers, poets, and dreamers. This shared celestial heritage is now under threat from a new source of pollution: artificial satellites. Companies like SpaceX, Amazon, OneWeb, and others are racing to deploy massive constellations of internet satellites in low Earth orbit. Meanwhile, newer ventures like Reflect Orbital are proposing to launch thousands of space mirrors that could reflect sunlight onto Earth to extend daylight hours for solar power. These projects, while promising technological and economic benefits, come with a steep price for its view of the universe. Did you know that a single government agency in the United States has the power to change how the night sky looks for every person on Earth? Private companies are moving faster than the laws meant to govern them. If current trends continue, the view of the stars you enjoy today might soon be covered by thousands of bright, moving lights. The unregulated future of its night sky. Recent approvals have opened the door for projects that sound like science fiction. The FCC lately gave a company called Reflect Orbital permission to test a large mirror in space - this mirror is about 60 feet wide and is designed to reflect sunlight down to Earth after the sun goes down. While it helps solar farms produce power at night, it also adds new brightness to the sky. This test is just the beginning of a much larger plan - Experts worry that if this succeeds, Geo could see a fleet of 50 000 mirrors orbiting its planet. Other companies like SpaceX besides Blue Origin are also waiting for permission to launch their own massive groups of satellites - these projects are moving so fast that the rules meant to manage them are already out of date. Why international law cannot stop private satellites. You might think that global treaties would protect the sky but the existing framework is very old. The Outer Space Treaty from the 1960s says that the country where a satellite is registered has the final say, which means if the U.S. gives a green light, other nations have almost no way to stop the launch. The main problem is how the law defines "damage" Currently, international rules only cover physical hits, like * Satellites crashing into each other in orbit. * Space junk falling and hitting buildings on the ground. * Physical destruction of property by a falling spacecraft. Light pollution and "optical interference" are not currently considered damage under these old rules. Even if a satellite ruins a billion dollar telescope's view, the law does not provide a clear way to sue for those losses. How one U.S - agency decides for the world. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a U.S. agency but its decisions have global reach. By granting licenses to American companies, it essentially dictates what the sky looks like for people in Europe, Africa, & Asia - this unilateral approach is not new but it is becoming more frequent as the space industry grows. Critics point out that the FCC often bypasses international consensus to give U.S. businesses a competitive advantage. As an example, they have approved communication systems that use radio frequencies not but authorized by global unions. Because the U.S. represents such a large part of the global economy, it often acts alone, knowing other countries have little power to push back. Space Technology The cost to science and the environment. For astronomers, these satellite "megaconstellations" are a nightmare. Every new satellite creates a streak of light that can ruin deep space images. If companies launch tens of thousands of mirrors and data centers, ground based telescopes might become useless for certain types of research. Beyond science, there are environmental worries - These satellites are currently exempt from the National Environmental Policy Act - this means * Companies do not have to prove their satellites won't hurt the environment. * The FCC does not need to conduct a review of light pollution impacts. * No one is officially tracking the long term effects on nocturnal wildlife. This exemption started in the 1980s when launches were rare - Now, with thousands of objects going up every year, many advocates say this lack of oversight is a major regulatory failure. Looking for a legislative fix. Stopping the projects is difficult because the United Nations moves very slowly. Groups like the International Astronomical Union are asking for a ban on space mirrors but the UN requires everyone to agree before passing a rule. Countries like Russia, China or the U.S. will block any rule that limits their own power in space. Your best hope for a dark sky likely lies in new national laws. Some advocacy groups are suing the government to force environmental reviews. Until the laws catch up with the technology, the responsibility falls on individual nations to change how they grant licenses. Without a change in how Geo manage space, the "Saturn's ring" of satellites around Earth could become a permanent, bright reality. Faq. Can other countries stop a U.S. satellite launch? Generally, no - Under current international law, the country where the satellite is registered has the authority to approve the project. Other countries can complain but they have no legal mechanism to block the launch itself. Do satellites physically harm the environment? While they don't usually drop chemicals on the ground, they cause significant light pollution. They can also create space debris, which makes it dangerous for future space travel and can damage the atmosphere when they eventually burn up upon reentry. Why does the FCC handle space mirrors? The FCC manages the communication licenses and various regulatory approvals for U.S. companies operating in space. Even though their primary job is communications, they have become the de facto gatekeepers for almost all commercial space activity in the U.S.
The Federal Communications Commission has approved California-based Reflect Orbital to launch a test satellite that reflects sunlight to Earth at night. The company plans to deploy 50,000 satellites over the next decade to power solar panels after dark and assist search-and-rescue operations. Scientists have raised serious concerns about the project. Dr Travis Longcore from UCLA called it "an existential threat to optical astronomy". Dr Noelia Noël from the University of Surrey questioned who controls when and where Earth is illuminated, noting "the night sky is a shared scientific, environmental and cultural resource." Reflect Orbital's test satellite, Eärendil-1, features an 18-metre reflector operating from 625 kilometres above Earth. The company would charge approximately $5,000 per hour for its sunlight service.
Satellite that seeks to reflect sunlight at night authorized despite astronomers' warnings. The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized Reflect Orbital to launch an experimental satellite that will test a technology to reflect sunlight toward specific areas of the Earth at night. The project has raised concern among astronomers due to its potential impact on scientific research. July 16, 2026 - 01:59 p.m. According to details, the satellite would initially operate at about 510 kilometers in altitude and then move to an orbit of approximately 625 kilometers, from where it would conduct experiments with the reflector. EFE/NASA. Photo: EFE - NASA The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has just authorized the company Reflect Orbital Inc. to launch and operate an experimental satellite called "Earendil-1," intended to test an unprecedented technology that is worrying scientists: reflecting sunlight from space toward specific areas of the Earth. The company itself describes Earendil-1 as a "critical test bed" for a space reflector technology that could serve to direct reflected sunlight toward specific areas. According to the application, this technology would have potential government, commercial, and humanitarian applications, such as extending the operating hours of solar panels or illuminating areas where critical operations are taking place, for example, during emergencies or disasters. Basically, the goal is that when it is naturally night in a location, a reflector on the satellite diverts part of the sunlight toward that area to generate additional illumination for a few minutes. According to details, the satellite would initially operate at about 510 kilometers in altitude and then move to an orbit of approximately 625 kilometers, from where it would conduct experiments with the reflector. The license has a duration of two years once the satellite becomes operational, and the company has until 2032 to launch it. The FCC authorization does not mean the technology already works. What it authorizes is precisely conducting tests in space to verify whether the concept is viable. Additionally, the approval came with several conditions and reviews, as organizations such as the American Astronomical Society (AAS) expressed concerns. The AAS is the main professional organization of astronomers in the United States. It is a scientific society founded in 1899 that brings together more than 8,000 members, including astronomers, astrophysicists, planetary scientists, educators, and students. In a formal petition filed with the FCC, the organization argued that a satellite designed to deliberately reflect sunlight could interfere with observations made from ground-based telescopes. Furthermore, it warned that, although Earendil-1 is an experimental satellite, it could set a precedent for the deployment of a future constellation of thousands of space reflectors, multiplying that impact. The scientific society also warned about the potential effects of the reflector's brightness on very sensitive observation equipment. According to the AAS, the intensity of the reflected light could hinder or even affect certain astronomical observations, compromising research that depends on dark and stable night skies. Another concern raised relates to safety. The organization argues that intense reflections of sunlight could cause temporary glare in aircraft pilots or even drivers, depending on the satellite's position and the angle at which the light is reflected toward the Earth's surface. Finally, the AAS also warned about a possible increase in light pollution. If this type of technology were to be deployed on a large scale, they say, the night sky could be altered by artificial light sources, affecting not only the work of professional and amateur astronomers but also animal species whose biological cycles depend on darkness and, potentially, people's circadian rhythms. Beyond the possible impacts, the organization questioned the FCC's decision to approve the license. In their view, the Commission considered that the effects of reflecting sunlight from space are outside its regulatory authority, leaving a gap regarding who should evaluate the environmental, scientific, and safety consequences of such technology before it can be commercially scaled.
The first sunlight reflecting space mirror has been cleared for launch. Reflect Orbital has been given the green light to launch its first space mirror that aims to redirect sunlight down to Earth at night. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized the California-based startup to build and operate a single prototype satellite in low-Earth orbit later this year, despite concerns over how the technology could impact optical astronomy. The satellite, named Eärendil-1 in reference to a Tolkien character, will attempt to redirect sunlight to specific areas on Earth after dark using a 59-foot (18-meter) reflective surface. If successful, Reflect Orbital plans to launch and operate a constellation of 50,000 satellites by 2035, with enough reflected light to illuminate areas up to 3 miles (5 kilometers) on the ground. The company says this technology will be available "on demand," and could be used across a variety of industries, including solar energy, agriculture, and emergency response sectors. "Imagine the endless possibilities when sunlight is not limited by geography or time of day," Reflect Orbital says on its website. "A search-and-rescue team locates a missing person in minutes. A city has safer, evenly-lit streets without the carbon emissions. Construction projects complete in half the time with teams able to work through the night safely." The growing number of satellite constellations orbiting Earth are driving concerns regarding space junk and light pollution. Reflect Orbital's plans are already facing objections that the space mirrors could make astronomical observations more difficult. There are also concerns about how the reflected light could interfere with wildlife that depend on natural light cycles, and impact the safety of aircraft pilots. Wired reports that the FCC received nearly 2,000 public comments opposing the space mirror plans, with the American Astronomical Society, DarkSky International, and the Royal Astronomical Society among the most notable critics. "For optical astronomy, this is an existential threat, and we hope that the regulators will share that view," Betty Kioko, institutional affairs officer for the European Southern Observatory (ESO), said to Wired, ahead of the FCC clearance. Reflect Orbital has been given the green light to launch its first space mirror that aims to redirect sunlight down to Earth at night. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized the California-based startup to build and operate a single prototype satellite in low-Earth orbit later this year, despite...
The US Federal Communications Commission has authorised Reflect Orbital to launch Eärendil-1, an experimental satellite designed to reflect sunlight onto Earth at night. The Santa Monica-based startup's satellite will orbit at 625 kilometres altitude with an 18-metre reflector capable of illuminating areas 5 to 6 kilometres in diameter. The company proposes applications including search-and-rescue operations, emergency infrastructure support, and extending solar panel productivity. Reflect Orbital envisions deploying 50,000 satellites by 2035. The FCC received nearly 2,000 public comments opposing the project. Critics including the American Astronomical Society and DarkSky International warn about increased light pollution, interference with astronomical observations, and potential harm to nocturnal ecosystems and aviation safety. The FCC approved only this single experimental satellite, stating any future commercial constellation would require separate regulatory approval.