Senior Software Architect

Senior Software Architect 

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

Launch has changed the economics of space. Now it is time to return. 

Outpost is building the missing infrastructure between orbit and Earth: reusable vehicles that can bring payloads back from space and deliver them to a precise location within hours. We call it exologistics, space-to-Earth logistics at planetary scale. This is not a paper concept or a distant roadmap. Our system is in active development, with core technologies advancing toward flight readiness. 

The need is already here and the market has responded. We have validated demand through multiple defense and civil agreements, and a growing pipeline across government and commercial customers.  

Outpost is building the logistics layer that makes space economically useful in a new way: the ability to move material from orbit to Earth quickly, reliably, and affordably. Over time, that supports point-to-point logistics, 10 tons of cargo, anywhere on Earth in an hour. It also creates the foundation for a reusable reentry network and enables new categories of space activity, including in-space manufacturing, supporting AI data centers, advanced manufacturing and novel materials. 

We have a strong foundation, clear demand, and a technical path in front of us. Now the company is scaling rapidly. We are expanding the team, growing our operational footprint, and building the systems needed to execute at the next level. This is a chance to join a company with real traction, working on a problem that matters, at the point where execution and scale begin to define the outcome.

The Team

As Senior Software Architect, you will be working with all aspects of the Outpost software stack, from application layer flight code, GNC integration, embedded systems, all the way to Ground Software. You'll collaborate closely with avionics hardware engineers, GNC specialists, and other team members to create efficient and sustainable solutions. This position offers the chance to engage in all aspects of spacecraft development, from system architecture and rapid prototyping to full flight/Earth-Return projects, managing flight hardware during ground tests, and providing mission operations support. 

Responsibilities

• Design and develop all flight, ground, and operations software for Outpost missions, with ownership of the overall software architecture.
• Work cross functionally with all other disciplines (GNC, Power, Propulsion, and Thermal) to support algorithm implementation and integration into the software.
• Write quality bare metal, RTOS, or Linux based software for embedded processors in C/C++.
• Develop driver-level code to interface with sensors and actuators onboard the vehicle.
• Own the complete lifecycle of software development, from design and architecture through testing and integration.
• Conduct bring-up activities in SITL and HITL environments to test avionics and software integration.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other software engineers, ensuring architectural consistency across the stack.  

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or another related field.
• Experience writing flight software that has flown in space.
• Minimum of 6 years of spacecraft software engineering or software development experience in C++ or a similar language.
• Experience designing and implementing software architectures for complex, safety- or mission-critical systems. 
• Work on-site in Playa Vista, CA.

Preferred Experience   

• Experience with FAA Part 450 commercial space launch and reentry licensing requirements.
• Experience writing safety-critical software, especially for aerospace applications.
• Strong understanding of computer architecture and operating systems.
• Experience integrating GNC algorithms into FSW.
• Extensive spacecraft software development experience across a range of languages (e.g. C++/Python).
• Hands-on experience with serial protocols such as UART, CAN, I2C, SPI, and/or Ethernet(TCP/UDP).
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters.
• Familiarity with Docker, Git, CMake, and GNU tools.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation: $180,000 - $230,000; (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. Department of State