---
title: 'Principal Flight Software Engineer at The Exploration Company'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/principal-flight-software-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-ghkpv01ab8ry'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-18'
---

# Principal Flight Software Engineer at The Exploration Company

- **Company:** [The Exploration Company](https://feeny.ai/companies/the-exploration-company)
- **Location:** Munich, Germany
- **Compensation:** €85k–€130k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Posted:** 2026-02-19
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-18
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/the-exploration-company/e414424b-7e11-48a5-bf0f-a957eb6cb05a/application

**Skills:** C++, Python, Real-time systems, Embedded development, Spacecraft software, Software testing methodologies, Simulation tools, CI/CD systems, Build systems, RTOS, TCP/IP, UART, CAN Bus, Serialization, Automotive software frameworks, Orbital mechanics, Spacecraft systems, AUTOSAR, ECSS, DO-178

> Lead the development of the flight software stack for a modular space orbital vehicle, guiding a team of engineers in building and validating software systems. The role involves driving architectural decisions, enforcing testing standards, and collaborating with cross-functional subsystems to ensure mission success.

## Job description

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation. We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Principal Flight Software Engineer (Team Lead) to lead the development at one of the key teams working on the Flight Software stack for Nyx. In this critical role, you will guide a team of talented engineers in building and validating the software systems that control and operate the spacecraft: from launch to docking, re-entry, and recovery. You will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership to deliver high-reliability software under tight mission timelines. You will collaborate with the other Flight Software teams and the Flight Software Lead to drive architectural decisions, enforce rigorous testing standards, and foster a culture of ownership, simulation-driven development, and cross-functional collaboration with other subsystems such as GNC, avionics, propulsion, and mission operations. This is a high-impact leadership position where your decisions directly influence mission success.

## Key Responsibilities

- Lead and mentor a high-performing team of flight software engineers in the design, implementation, testing, and integration of spacecraft software.
- Own the technical roadmap and execution for flight software, including architecture, modularity, and interfaces across avionics and vehicle subsystems.
- Set high standards for code quality, test coverage, simulation fidelity, and system robustness.
- Drive development in modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and Python, enabling safe and efficient spacecraft operations in real-time environments.
- Oversee the development of test infrastructure, including unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, to ensure flight readiness.
- Own key areas of the Nyx Flight Software, such as Simulation, Embedded software and firmware, specific subsystems… in accordance with your experience and expertise.
- Collaborate closely with teams across your team key stakeholders, for example systems engineering, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and mission operations to define requirements, resolve interface challenges, and validate end-to-end behavior.
- Participate in and lead code reviews, software audits, flight software simulations, and mission rehearsals.

What we would love to see from you

- Strong proficiency in modern C (Embedded/Firmware) or C++ (C++17 or newer, spacecraft software).
- Python experience.
- Experience with real-time systems, embedded development, simulation, or spacecraft software.
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex technical problems and drive them to resolution.
- Familiarity with software testing methodologies and simulation tools.
- Excellent cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration skills.
- Good understanding of math & physics.
- Focus on detail, quality, and testing.
- Experience with CI/CD systems and build systems in general. Bazel is a plus.

## Nice to have

- Knowledge of safety critical and real-time critical software and familiarity with RTOS.
- Good understanding of communication protocols such as: TCP/IP, UART, CAN Bus and serialization.
- Experience with automotive or flight software frameworks.
- Background in orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, simulation, or space mission lifecycle.
- Experience with industry standards such as AUTOSAR, ECSS, DO-178.

Why you should join us! What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:

- We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
- We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
- We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.

If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

## About The Exploration Company

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: The Exploration Company (TEC) is building a full-stack space transportation platform, including a reusable space capsule (Nyx) and a high-thrust rocket engine (Storm), to democratize access to space.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series B)
- **Headquarters**: Munich, Germany (HQ); additional offices in Bordeaux (France), Luxembourg, Turin (Italy), Houston (Texas, USA), and Dubai/Abu Dhabi (UAE)
- **Founded**: 2021
- **Founders**: Hélène Huby (CEO) and a team of aerospace veterans

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Space transportation, aerospace engineering, orbital logistics
- **Target customers**: Space station operators, satellite operators, government space agencies (e.g., NASA), commercial space companies (B2B, B2G)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: "To build space vehicles for humanity, enabling everyone to participate peacefully in the building of our human future." [exploration.space](https://exploration.space/about)

## Products & Services
- **Nyx**: A reusable space capsule designed to dock with any space station, capable of carrying cargo (and eventually crew) to low-Earth orbit. It is the company’s first commercial vehicle.
- **Storm**: A high-thrust, staged-combustion rocket engine delivering up to 180 tons of thrust, designed to power a globally competitive, reusable launcher.
- **Mission Bikini**: A first demonstrator capsule built for ballistic reentry, completed from paper sketch to flight-ready in nine months.
- **Mission Possible**: A second demonstrator capsule built for controlled re-entry and recovery with cargo, completed in two years.
- **Orbital Propulsion**: In-house development of avionics, flight software, guidance/navigation/control (GNC), and reusable thrusters.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Total Funding**: $210.06M (Series B, with a $160M round raised approximately two years ago) [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/the-exploration-company)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Backed by tier-one investors; first European company to sign a Space Act Agreement with NASA; board includes figures like Mike Griffin (former NASA Administrator) and Yo-Yo Ma (cellist and board advisor) [exploration.space](https://exploration.space/about)
- **Growth Signals**: 10 missions already booked; two demonstrator capsules built in under three years; team of 450+ employees spanning 35 nationalities; offices in 6 locations across Europe, the US, and the UAE; named one of the fastest-growing space companies worldwide.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Speed of execution**: Demonstrated ability to go from concept to flight-ready hardware in 9–24 months, far faster than traditional aerospace.
- **Reusability focus**: Both Nyx and Storm are designed for rapid reuse, dramatically lowering per-mission costs.
- **Open-source vehicle design**: TEC’s approach is intentionally collaborative, fostering partnerships across countries and with NASA.
- **Full-stack capability**: Controls the entire space transportation stack (capsule, engine, avionics, software), reducing dependency on external suppliers.
- **European base with global reach**: Positioned as a key European player in the new space economy, with strong government and commercial ties.

## Strategic Focus
- **Commercial cargo missions**: First priority is launching Nyx to serve low-Earth orbit space stations (both public and private).
- **Engine development**: Continuing work on Storm to power a future European launcher.
- **International expansion**: Deepening presence in the US (Houston office) and UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi office).
- **Talent scaling**: Growing the team from 450+ to meet mission milestones, with a focus on engineering, production, and digital roles.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Emphasizes speed, execution, and ownership. Values include Excellence, Teamwork, Integrity, and "Space for everyone." The company prides itself on gathering diverse, international talent from both space and non-space backgrounds.
- **Remote/Hybrid Policy**: Offers flexibility and remote work opportunities depending on the role, but encourages a hybrid approach where possible. [exploration.space](https://www.exploration.space/careers)
- **Relocation Support**: Yes, the company provides relocation assistance and work permit/visa support for new hires.
- **Notable Perks**: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge space vehicles from day one; internal mobility encouraged; background check required for all offers.
- **Engineering Culture**: Leadership includes aerospace veterans who have worked on major global space programs. The team is 450+ strong, representing 35 nationalities, with a flat, fast-moving structure.

## Sources
1. [exploration.space - Home](https://exploration.space/)
2. [exploration.space - About](https://exploration.space/about)
3. [exploration.space - Careers](https://www.exploration.space/careers)
4. [cbinsights.com - The Exploration Company](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/the-exploration-company)
5. [Wikipedia - The Exploration Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Exploration_Company)

## Other roles at The Exploration Company

- [EMC/EMI Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/emc-emi-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-ajsbckf9q6p5) — Munich, Germany
- [AIT MGSE Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/ait-mgse-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-pbcwwf9gn866) — Munich, Germany
- [AIT MGSE Engineer - Lunar Lander](https://feeny.ai/job/ait-mgse-engineer-lunar-lander-the-exploration-company-bordeaux-z774600adb5y) — Bordeaux, France
- [AI and Computer Vision Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/ai-and-computer-vision-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-mnt4dme9dd0v) — Munich, Germany
- [Spacecraft Thermal Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/spacecraft-thermal-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-7bkw3yt5eace) — Munich, Germany
- [Senior Embedded Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-embedded-software-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-jnsjg431w510) — Munich, Germany
- [Flight Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/flight-software-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-yc91tetavgaq) — Munich, Germany
- [Fluid Systems Development Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/fluid-systems-development-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-e70h236r2z2a) — Munich, Germany
- [Propulsion Functional Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/propulsion-functional-engineer-the-exploration-company-munich-f5ndt62c0evx) — Munich, Germany
- [Internship - Radiation Testing of Electronic Components and Test Automation](https://feeny.ai/job/internship-radiation-testing-of-electronic-components-and-test-automation-the-dyybdp5p85c9) — Munich, Germany