Cowboy Space – Head of Software and Firmware

Official Role Description: Cowboy Space

Head of Software and FirmwareAbout Cowboy Space Corp.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 RoleWe are looking for a Head of Software and Firmware to lead the architecture, development, and deployment of the full software stack that powers our space-based platforms—from low-level firmware and embedded systems to onboard compute, autonomy, and distributed data processing.This role owns the end-to-end strategy across firmware, embedded software, and higher-level onboard systems that enable energy transmission, real-time spacecraft control, and high-bandwidth data processing in orbit. You will define how software and firmware co-design tightly with custom hardware to operate in power-constrained, thermally dynamic, and radiation-exposed environments.You will work cross-functionally with hardware, spacecraft, GNC, RF, and mission teams to deliver robust, high-performance, and fault-tolerant systems. This is a critical leadership role with significant ownership over system architecture, team building, and execution across both software and firmware domains.ResponsibilitiesDefine the technical vision and roadmap for onboard software and firmware across spacecraft platformsLead the design and development of embedded software, firmware, and real-time systems for space environmentsOwn end-to-end system architecture across firmware, BSPs, operating systems, middleware, and application layersBuild and lead a high-performing team of software and firmware engineers, setting technical direction, culture, and execution standardsDrive full lifecycle development from concept through architecture, implementation, validation, and in-orbit deploymentCollaborate cross-functionally with hardware, GNC, RF, and spacecraft teams to ensure tight hardware/software/firmware integrationOversee development of low-level firmware for processors, microcontrollers, FPGAs, and custom hardware interfacesDesign and implement real-time control systems, autonomy frameworks, and high-throughput data processing pipelinesOptimize systems for performance, latency, power efficiency, thermal constraints, and reliability in space environmentsEstablish robust testing and validation strategies, including SIL, HIL (hardware-in-the-loop), and mission simulation environmentsDefine tooling, infrastructure, CI/CD, and build systems for embedded software and firmware developmentLead system-level trade studies balancing compute performance, memory, bandwidth, latency, and resource constraintsEnsure reliability through fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) strategies across software and firmware layersRepresent software and firmware in architecture reviews, PDR/CDR, and executive-level discussionsBasic Qualifications10+ years of experience in software and/or firmware engineering, with deep focus on embedded, real-time, or high-performance systemsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related fieldProven experience designing and shipping complex software and/or firmware systems (e.g., embedded platforms, real-time systems, distributed compute systems)Strong proficiency in low-level programming (C, C++, Rust, or similar) and experience working close to hardwareExperience with embedded systems, firmware development, and real-time operating systems (RTOS)Solid understanding of system architecture, hardware/software co-design, and performance optimizationExperience leading technical projects or teams with increasing scope and ownershipPreferred QualificationsExperience developing software and firmware for space, aerospace, or other high-reliability environments (e.g., automotive, defense, robotics)Deep understanding of radiation effects (SEUs, latch-up) and mitigation strategies at the software and firmware levelExperience optimizing systems under strict SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) constraints, particularly in edge or embedded environmentsStrong experience with board support packages (BSP), device drivers, bootloaders, and low-level hardware bring-upFamiliarity with high-speed interconnects (PCIe, Ethernet, SpaceWire, etc.), memory architectures, and data movement optimizationExperience building and tuning real-time, deterministic systems with strict latency and timing requirementsProven ability to design and implement fault-tolerant, resilient systems for mission-critical applicationsExperience with distributed or edge compute systems, including GPU/TPU acceleration or onboard AI/ML inferenceTrack record of scaling engineering teams in startup or high-growth environments, including hiring and organizational designDemonstrated success delivering complex systems from early concept through production and deploymentExperience operating within rigorous validation and verification frameworks, including safety- or mission-critical standardsStrong cross-functional leadership experience working with hardware, systems, and mission engineering teamsPassion for space systems, energy infrastructure, and building novel compute platforms in orbitCompensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is $200,000 – $250,000 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 insurance401(k) retirement savings planPaid time off10 paid holidays per calendar yearPaid parental leaveRelocation assistance if applicableDaily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacksITAR RequirementsExport Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.DisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.