How to apply for Software Engineer, Flight Software

About Muon Space

Muon Space is revolutionizing climate action by developing cutting-edge Earth-sensing satellite technology, offering the unique opportunity to work on space hardware that directly addresses environmental challenges. Unlike traditional aerospace companies, Muon focuses specifically on climate monitoring satellites, combining space technology with environmental science for meaningful impact.

About the role

As a Flight Software Engineer at Muon Space, you'll be integral to defining and building the satellite bus platform, translating concepts into working implementations that will operate in orbit. This role involves designing embedded software for ARM Cortex-M CPUs in satellite systems, requiring you to support projects from initial design through on-orbit operations.

A typical day

A typical day involves designing and implementing embedded software for satellite systems using ARM Cortex-M processors, collaborating with hardware engineers on integration, and participating in architecture discussions for the satellite bus platform. You'll work on translating satellite requirements into flight software while ensuring resource efficiency for space operations.

Who Muon Space is looking for

• Has 5+ years of team-based software engineering experience with strong C/C++ skills and practical familiarity with other languages
• Possesses deep embedded systems expertise including resource-efficient design, low-level drivers, RTOS frameworks, and hardware integration
• Holds a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field with experience in aerospace or satellite systems
• Can translate satellite requirements into flight software implementations and support through on-orbit operations

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific experience with ARM Cortex-M processors in your resume, not just general embedded systems
• Demonstrate how your previous work relates to resource-constrained environments similar to satellite systems
• Showcase experience with the full software lifecycle from design to operations, especially for hardware systems
• Include examples of collaborating on technology selection and software architecture decisions
• Connect your experience to climate or environmental applications if possible, showing alignment with Muon's mission

What to cover in your cover letter

['Explain your experience with satellite or aerospace software systems and ARM Cortex-M architecture', "Describe how you've translated requirements into working implementations for hardware systems", "Demonstrate understanding of Muon's climate-focused mission and how your skills contribute", 'Provide specific examples of resource-efficient design and hardware integration experience']

Research before applying

• Muon Space's specific satellite technology and how it differs from traditional Earth observation systems
• The company's climate action mission and specific environmental applications of their technology
• ARM Cortex-M architecture and its applications in aerospace systems
• Current trends in satellite bus platforms and flight software architecture

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Detailed technical questions about ARM Cortex-M architecture and embedded programming challenges
• Scenarios about designing resource-efficient software for satellite constraints (power, memory, reliability)
• Discussion of your experience with RTOS frameworks and low-level driver development
• Questions about collaborating on technology selection for flight software architecture
• Case studies about translating satellite requirements into software implementations

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying with only desktop or web development experience without embedded systems examples
• Failing to demonstrate specific ARM Cortex-M or satellite/aerospace experience
• Not showing understanding of Muon's climate mission or how flight software enables it