Senior Flight Software Designer (6+ month Contract)

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Kepler Communications

Canada , California , United States
C/C++ embedded Linux bootloader CAN Yocto device tree
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At Kepler Communications, we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - we're leading it!

Our mission is to provide real-time on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities. 

Industry-leading technology is only part of the story. What sets Kepler apart is our team: bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact. 
 
If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. Come build the future with Kepler! 
 
 
What We Offer:
* Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success. 
* Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance—including dependents. 
* Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company-wide holiday shutdown. 
* Semi-annual company-wide parties and frequent in-office team events. 
* Relocation packages available for approved roles. 
* $1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth. 
* Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances. 
* Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events to stay connected and engaged. 
* We’re a certified Great Place to Work®, seven years in a row!

We’re on the hunt for a top-tier Flight Software Engineer for a 6+ month contract. Your focus will be on the development and maintenance of flight software and embedded Linux software for both space and ground-based assets across a growing fleet of spacecraft. You’ll be relied upon for input and decisions that will directly impact system design and operation. 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop reliable, high-quality software related to: 
  • Embedded Linux applications and platform software for both space and ground systems 
  • Flight software applications and services supporting spacecraft command and control, telemetry, fault detection and recovery, resource management, and on-orbit operations 
  • Linux-based development on Xilinx Zynq MPSoCs, Versal SoCs, and NVIDIA Jetson-class hardware 
  • Own and maintain embedded Linux build environments using OpenEmbedded/Yocto, including layers, recipes, system images, SDKs, package configuration, and build troubleshooting 
  • Design and integrate flight software interfaces with ground software, including HTTP APIs and ZeroMQ message buses using data formats such as Protocol Buffers 
  • Write thorough tests and documentation 
  • Participate in software design review and code review processes 
  • Work with electrical, digital design, ground software, and operations teams to identify required features and define the system architecture 
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers 
  • Identify shortcomings in existing software components and direct future development efforts
    • Required Skills & Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent 
  • 7+ years of embedded development experience, in Aerospace or relevant industry 
  • Strong software design and development skills, including architecture, algorithms, testing, and debugging 
  • Proficiency in C/C++, with experience developing reliable software for resource-constrained, mission-critical systems 
  • Strong embedded Linux experience, including application development, system integration, debugging, kernel modules, device trees, and drivers 
  • Experience owning and maintaining embedded Linux build systems using OpenEmbedded/Yocto 
  • Experience developing Linux-based software for platforms such as Xilinx Zynq MPSoCs, Versal SoCs, or comparable embedded Linux platforms 
  • Experience developing and integrating distributed software interfaces using technologies such as ZeroMQ, Protocol Buffers, and HTTP APIs 
  • Understanding of flight-software concerns such as fault tolerance, deterministic behaviour, resource constraints, and operational reliability 
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Ability to effectively use git
    • Bonus Points:
  • Master’s degree 
  • Experience developing software for aerospace applications 
  • Experience deploying and supporting containerized software using Kubernetes on embedded Linux systems 
  • Experience with NVIDIA Jetson-class hardware 
  • Experience developing multi-stage bootloaders 
  • Experience developing in Python

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