Software Systems Engineer Visa Sponsorship US

Job Description

Principal Software Systems Engineer (Team Lead) – Flight Software Certification
Location: Houston, Texas
Company: The Exploration Company

The Exploration Company is shaping the future of space exploration by developing Nyx, a reusable and modular orbital vehicle designed for cargo transport and, in the future, human spaceflight. The company’s mission is to make space access more sustainable and affordable through advanced engineering and innovation.

We are looking for a Principal Software Systems Engineer (Team Lead) to oversee the certification and validation of the Nyx program’s flight software. This position requires strong technical expertise, leadership ability, and experience managing certification processes under complex aerospace standards. Your leadership will directly influence the safety and success of future missions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the software systems team responsible for verification, validation, and software certification.
• Manage the software certification process in accordance with NASA and other aerospace regulatory standards.
• Supervise internal and external Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) interfaces.
• Ensure full lifecycle requirements tracing and compliance with safety-critical software development standards.
• Participate in NASA Safety Reviews and contribute to meeting International Space Station (ISS) safety requirements.
• Act as a key link between software development, systems engineering, and certification authorities.
• Maintain compliance with all relevant aerospace software standards and documentation processes.
• Identify areas for process improvement to enhance safety, efficiency, and quality.
• Provide technical guidance to development teams using strong knowledge of flight software, embedded systems, and C++.

Required Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience managing software teams and V&V activities.
• In-depth understanding of software certification, safety, and systems engineering.
• Strong background in software engineering, including flight software frameworks and modern C++.
• Experience with safety-critical and real-time software development, ideally within the aerospace field.
• Working knowledge of CI/CD systems, simulation tools, and automated testing methodologies.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across engineering disciplines.
• Familiarity with agile development methods and formal safety reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of standards such as SSP 50808, RCC 319, and ECSS-Q-ST-80C.
• Previous experience with human-rated spaceflight programs.

Why Work With Us

At The Exploration Company, collaboration, innovation, and agility drive everything we do. We believe in fast, informed decision-making, open communication, and a shared mission to expand humanity’s presence in space. Our teams are encouraged to think creatively, act responsibly, and take pride in contributing to a project that represents the future of orbital transportation.

Equal Opportunity and Visa Sponsorship

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are available for qualified international candidates who meet U.S. employment requirements. For details on U.S. visa eligibility, visit the official U.S. government site at https://www.uscis.gov.

If you are ready to take a leading role in advancing space technology, we invite you to apply and become part of our mission to make space more accessible to everyone.