Contract Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Denver, CO

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. Currently, we are seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. The main responsibilities of the Staff Embedded Software Engineer is to develop software for robotic systems, ensuring the system meets stringent real-time, safety and reliability requirements for crewed and autonomous space operations.  

Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded and flight software for real-time systems 

• Implement software on RTOS-based platforms (e.g., VxWorks, RTEMS, or similar) 

• Support development of flight software applications, including command/telemetry handling and system control logic 

• Develop and integrate device drivers and hardware abstraction layers 

• Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to integrate software with embedded platforms 

• Assist with system integration, testing, and validation, including simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments 

• Debug and troubleshoot issues related to performance, timing, and system interaction 

• Contribute to documentation, including design descriptions and test procedures 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering or related field 

• 5+ years in embedded software or avionics systems for space or mission-critical robotics applications 

• Experience with at least one RTOS-based system (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RTEMS, or similar)

• Understanding of real-time systems concepts (task scheduling, interrupts, memory constraints) 
• Experience with software integration and testing on hardware platforms 
• Proficiency in C for embedded systems 
• Familiarity with spacecraft data handling, telemetry/command processing, and networking 
• Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines 
• Excellent organization and time management skills 
• U.S. Person  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with device driver development or board support packages (BSPs) 
• Experience with flight software frameworks such as NASA cFS or similar architectures
• Experience with robotics platforms for planetary exploration, surface mobility, or space station operations 

• Experience working with simulation tools or hardware-in-the-loop testing 

• Knowledge of fault-tolerant or safety-critical software design principles 

• Experience with GNC software integration in robotic or spacecraft systems 

• Prior work with crewed vehicle avionics architecture or planetary robotics 

• Experience mentoring junior engineers and task planning 

Compensation & Benefits: Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
• Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
• Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
• Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
• Parental leave
• Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development
  

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity  employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.