Ground Software Engineer

About the CompanyAt AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity’s capabilities in space.Job DescriptionAs a Ground Software Engineer at AstroForge, you will develop the software systems that command, monitor, and manage our spacecraft from Earth. Your work will enable real-time operations, automate complex sequences, and ensure the health and performance of our vehicles throughout mission lifecycles. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in fast-paced, hardware-integrated environments and enjoys building robust, scalable tools that directly impact mission success.ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and maintain ground software systems for spacecraft command and telemetryDesign, develop, and maintain software systems to operate, manage, monitor ground station radios and other equipment distributed around the worldBuild tools for real-time and post-flight data analysis, anomaly detection, and health monitoringDevelop user interfaces, APIs, and dashboards for operations and engineering teamsImplement automation pipelines for satellite tasking, data handling, and testingIntegrate spacecraft simulation environments with mission control systemsWork closely with systems, avionics, GNC, and operations teams to ensure end-to-end software functionalitySupport spacecraft mission rehearsals, launches, and in-flight operationsWrite documentation and contribute to team processes for software development and testingBasic QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field3–5 years of experience developing production software systemsProficiency in Python and at least one strongly typed language (e.g., Rust, Go, or Python)Experience working with APIs, network protocols, and database systems (SQL or NoSQL)Familiarity with Linux development environments, version control (Git), and CI/CD pipelinesStrong problem-solving and debugging skills, especially in hardware-in-the-loop environmentsAbility to work onsite in Seal Beach, CAPreferred Skills and ExperienceExperience with space mission control frameworks (e.g., COSMOS, OpenMCT, cFS, or custom ground systems)Familiarity with telemetry and command protocols (CCSDS, TCP/IP, MQTT)Experience working on spacecraft, robotics, or embedded systems projectsUnderstanding of spacecraft operations, telemetry processing, and fault detection systemsKnowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and deployment practicesComfort writing automated test suites and scripting for operational workflowsExposure to time-series databases, log aggregators, or monitoring tools (e.g., InfluxDB, Grafana, ELK stack)Experience with radio frequency and ground systems is preferredBenefits100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverageVision and FSA benefits available3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time10 paid holidaysRetirement savings plan – 401(k), with company matchEquity on the ground floor of a startupSalary$100,000 - $160,000ITAR RequirementsTo conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government.Equal Opportunity StatementWe are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.