Spacecraft Avionics & Software Lead

Job Purpose and Primary Objectives:

Benchmark Space Systems is looking for an experienced Avionics and Software Lead to join our team. We’re developing a high-energy orbital transfer vehicle (HELS) that gives the U.S. and its partners a responsive way to move payloads between orbits. The Avionics and Software Lead will architect and build the flight avionics stack from power distribution and data handling to guidance, navigation, and control (GNC). This role will define the spacecraft’s brains and nervous system, integrating COTS radiation-hardened components with custom flight software to deliver autonomy, reliability, and testability.

This role works closely with the systems, propulsion, and structures leads to ensure the spacecraft operates safely and intelligently in orbit. This is a leadership role for an engineer who can design, code, and integrate and is comfortable taking a clean-sheet system to a flight-ready baseline within one year.

This is an on-site role at our Burlington, Vermont or Pleasanton, CA locations.

About Benchmark:

At Benchmark Space Systems, we’re pioneering the future of in-space mobility. Our propulsion technologies provide satellites the ability to maneuver, avoid collisions, and maximize mission potential—all while contributing to a safer, more sustainable space environment.

Backed by recent funding and a growing slate of new flight contracts for government and commercial customers, we’re building a workplace where bold ideas and passionate people thrive. Engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers at Benchmark tackle some of the toughest challenges in spaceflight, working together to turn cutting-edge concepts into real-world solutions. If you're ready to help shape the next era of spaceflight, there's never been a better time to join Benchmark Space Systems.

Measurements of Success/Primary Job Responsibilities:

At its core, Benchmark is an entrepreneurial, fast paced organization. In this environment, we need all employees to solve problems, not be afraid to ask questions and be able to work with and help colleagues in different departments and positions by digging in and working on other tasks as needed/assigned depending on business needs. With that said, there are primary job responsibilities and measurements of success for this position, which are:

• Own the avionics and flight software architecture for the HELS spacecraft through CDR.
• Select, evaluate, and integrate COTS radiation-tolerant components for compute, power, and data handling.
• Lead development of flight and ground software (real-time flight control, telemetry, fault management, autonomy).
• Define and implement GNC algorithms in collaboration with the systems team.
• Design the electrical power system (EPS), harnessing, and data bus architecture.
• Build and operate a flat-sat hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testbed for software and avionics validation.
• Develop and maintain interface control documents (ICDs) and firmware/software configuration management processes.
• Support subsystem integration and risk reduction test campaigns.
• Conduct FMEA and reliability analysis for avionics and software systems.
• Lead the design reviews (PDR/CDR) for avionics and software subsystems.
• At all times, maintain Benchmark’s outstanding reputation for operating at the highest levels of honesty, integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Education and/or Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in software engineering or related field of study.
• 8+ years of experience developing and integrating avionics or flight software for spacecraft or high-reliability systems.
• Strong background in embedded systems, GNC, or spacecraft autonomy.
• U.S. Person Required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

What you bring to the position, or have the ability to swiftly learn and be successful in:

• Proficient in C/C++ or Rust for embedded development; experience with Python for testing and automation.
• Experience with radiation-tolerant processors and space-rated electronics (e.g., Microchip, Cobham, Xilinx).
• Familiarity with CAN, SpaceWire, RS-422, and other spacecraft data buses.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate hardware and software in a HIL environment.
• Working knowledge of power distribution, harnessing, and EMI/EMC design principles.
• Strong documentation and communication skills — able to bridge hardware and software disciplines.

What makes you stand out:

• Experience with autonomy frameworks or fault-tolerant flight software.
• Knowledge of small spacecraft EPS and battery management systems.
• Familiarity with responsive space operations or in-space logistics missions.
• Prior startup or rapid-development environment experience.

Benefits:

• Health insurance (100% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).
• Vision and dental insurance.
• Company paid life, AD&D, and disability insurances.
• Employee assistance program.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Flexible schedule.
• Unlimited vacation.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

While performing duties of this job, the employee is primarily work in office or lab environments, spending extended periods at a computer designing, coding, and testing systems. The role may occasionally require standing or working around aircraft or test equipment, following strict safety and security protocols. The employee must possess the ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

Benchmark Space Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at careers @benchmark-space.com