Senior Ground Software Operations Engineer

Company: Orbital Sidekick, Inc.
Location: San Francisco
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

Space is in our DNA. Orbital Sidekick (OSK) has a mission to leverage the untapped power of hyperspectral imagery (HSI) to address global environmental, health, and safety needs while helping companies reach their sustainability goals. Orbital Sidekick is establishing a space-based infrastructure of HSI sensors and analytic capabilities to enable real-time monitoring, detection, and risk management.As a Senior Ground Software Operations Engineer reporting to our VP of Payload Engineering and working closely with our Analytics and Software teams, you will help build out the tools, processes and products critical to our customer's success.What you'll do:

• Design software architecture that supports efficient upload and download of tasking and imagery data
• Efficiently model tasking scenarios for a constellation of hyperspectral satellites
• Perform trade studies on orbit positioning and maneuvers to maximize satellite coverage
• Interface with the operations and software team to successfully execute targeted tasking with multiple space-based sensors
• Write and maintain a modeling and simulation codebase that is used by multiple teams
• Work with the OSK product team to deliver a high fidelity constellation tasking tool from simulation to execution
• Develop and tune a scheduling algorithm for a constellation of hyperspectral imaging satellitesWhat you'll need to succeed:
  • BS in Computer Science or Aerospace/Mechanical/Astronautical Engineering
  • 5+ years of experience in the Aerospace/Space/Software industry
  • Experience in verification of tasking plans and spacecraft health and status
  • Strong proficiency in Python and/or C++
  • Firm understanding of Linux/Unix Operating System commands for scripting and commanding
  • Experience using software APIs to receive and send telemetry data
  • Excellent foundations of software architecture, interface design, distributed systems, and testing patterns
  • Strong communication skills with other disciplines and engineersBonus points if you have:
    • MS in Computer Science/Aerospace/Astronautical Engineering
    • Practitioner-level experience with Cloud Infrastructure (AWS, GCP, etc)
    • Health and Status monitoring of satellite software systems experience
    • Knowledge of orbital mechanics and pointing/control algorithms for spacecraft
    • Spacecraft operations experience, downloading and uploading spacecraft control parametersWhat we offer:
      • Competitive compensation and equity packages
      • Comprehensive health plan including health/dental/vision/wellness
      • Disability and Life insurance
      • 401K program
      • Flexible time off
      • Commuter benefits
      • Learning and development opportunities
      • Monthly stipend for internet/cell phone/office expenses
      • Flexible in-office schedule with lunch Tuesday to Thursday in the San Francisco headquarters
      • Off-sites and team-building activities
      • Remote friendly (we hire in-office and remote employees in the United States)$130,000 - $180,000 a yearSalary range is for California, Washington & New York City. Salary range for Colorado is $120,000-$170,000.Orbital Sidekick's compensation packages are determined based on multiple factors including business requirements, experience and location.ITAR Requirements: U.S. Government space technologies export/ITAR regulations apply here, applicant must be a or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Orbital Sidekick is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and we invite people from all backgrounds to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
        #J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: Orbital Sidekick, Inc., Oakland , Senior Ground Software Operations Engineer, IT / Software / Systems , San Francisco, California