Software Engineer

Software Engineer (San Carlos, CA) Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth. Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure. The Role As a Software Engineer at Cowboy Space Corp., you will build the systems that control, operate, and scale our spacecraft and ground infrastructure. This includes flight software, simulation, mission control systems, and the tooling needed to test and operate hardware in real time. This is a highly ownership-driven role where you’ll work across the stack—from low-level systems interacting with hardware to higher-level services that enable mission operations. You’ll collaborate closely with hardware teams (propulsion, power, avionics) [... source excerpt omitted ...] on Contribute to system architecture decisions across software and hardware boundaries Balance speed, reliability, and scalability in a fast-paced development environment Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field 3+ years of experience building production software systems Strong programming skills in languages such as C++, Python, or Rust Experience working close to hardware, distributed systems, or real-time systems Solid understanding of systems fundamentals (operating systems, networking, concurrency) Experience working in fast-paced, engineering-driven environments Preferred Qualifications Experience with flight so [... source excerpt omitted ...] ion and Benefits The salary range for this position is $100,000 – $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Equity in Cowboy Space Corp. Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) retirement savings plan Paid time off 10 paid holidays per calendar year Paid parental leave Relocation assistance if applicable Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks ITAR Requirements Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the Int