Senior Software Architect

About the role

Senior Software Architect

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

The return lane isn’t going to build itself. Come build it with us.

Outpost is an orbital logistics company rewriting the rules of global logistics by building reusable Earth-return vehicles that unlock in-space manufacturing, on-orbit warehousing, and 60-minute global delivery through space.

Our CarryAll vehicle family returns payloads ranging from 200 kilograms to 10 metric tons, lands within 10 meters of its target, and can then be refurbished and launched again. One vehicle, many missions: responsive logistics and precision delivery for national security; commercial cargo moved with real cadence; R&D payloads flown, tested, and refined across repeatable cycles; and critical aid delivered where roads and runways can’t reach.

The demand is already here, validated through defense and civil agreements and supported by a growing pipeline of government and commercial customers.

We have the customers, the team, and a clear technical path ahead of us. We’re building the return lane. Come build it with us.

The Role

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 degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or another related field.

8+ years of spacecraft software engineering or software development experience in C++ or a similar language.

Experience writing, designing, and implementing software architectures for complex, safety or mission-critical systems.

Experience integrating GNC algorithms into flight software.

Experience with Docker, Git, CMake, and GNU tools.

Hands on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital mulitmeters.

Working knowledge of computer architecture and operating systems.

Preferred Experience

Active U.S. Government Security Clearance (not required, but beneficial).

Knowledge of aerospace standards and specs.

Experience with FAA Part 450 commercial space launch and reentry licensing requirements.

Hands-on experience with serial protocols such as UART, CAN, I2C, SPI, and/or Ethernet (TCP/UDP).

Experience with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation: $250,000 - $285,000; (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