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Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

The Software Engineer will be responsible for developing embedded software for the control of high-performance pump inverters used in a cryogenic rocket engine. The software will manage real-time control of electric motors driving the propellant pumps, ensuring precise regulation of speed and torque under dynamic operating conditions. This role involves close collaboration with the engine control team, electrical hardware engineers, and system architects to deliver a robust and reliable solution for safety-critical applications.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in embedded software development for motor control, with experience in power electronics, real-time programming, and fault-tolerant design.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and implement embedded software for motor control in high-power pump inverters, focusing on real-time performance and reliability.

• Develop and optimize control algorithms, such as field-oriented control (FOC) or other advanced motor control techniques, for precise speed and torque regulation.

• Implement low-level software, including device drivers for hardware interfaces (e.g., ADC, PWM, encoders, and communication protocols such as CAN or SPI).

• Integrate inverter control software with the larger engine control system, ensuring seamless operation and compliance with defined system interfaces.

• Implement fault detection and safe handling mechanisms for scenarios such as overcurrent, overspeed, or loss of sensor feedback.

• Conduct system-level testing and validation, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, to verify software functionality and performance under realistic conditions.

• Collaborate with the hardware team to define and validate interface requirements between the inverter software and electrical components.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards for safety-critical software development, including detailed documentation of software design, test results, and fault-handling strategies.

What we would love to see from you:

• Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in embedded software development, preferably in motor control applications such as aerospace, automotive, or industrial systems.

• Proficiency in motor control algorithms (e.g., field-oriented control, vector control) and their implementation in embedded systems.

• Strong programming skills in C/C++ for real-time embedded systems.

• Experience with hardware interfaces and communication protocols (e.g., ADC, PWM, encoders, CAN, SPI, UART).

• Familiarity with power electronics hardware and motor dynamics is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of safety-critical software development processes and standards (e.g., ECSS, ISO 26262) is a strong plus.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.