Software Engineer

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Dawn Aerospace is developing the fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever to take off from a runway, combining the extreme performance of rocket propulsion with the reusability of conventional airplanes to enable high-frequency, low-cost access to sub-orbital space.

Our flagship aircraft, the Mk-II Aurora spaceplane, is designed to push the boundaries of aviation into space, providing a scalable and cost-effective platform for microgravity research, atmospheric studies, and aerospace innovation.

In 2024, the Aurora rocket powered aircraft broke the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.12 at 82,500 feet, and set a record for the fastest climb to 20 kilometres (65,600 feet).

As a Software Engineer in our Spaceplane Team, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and deploying highly reliable software for both our aircraft and the ground systems that support them.

This is a hands-on role where you will own the entire software development lifecycle – from concept and prototyping through to mission integration and operations.

You'll work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, shaping the systems that make routine spaceflight a reality.

Responsibilities

Design and implement flight software for real-time control, guidance, and telemetry of the spaceplane.

Design and implement ground systems software, including preflight configuration tools, test automation, and simulation environments.

Develop and maintain ground systems infrastructure, including command and control interfaces, telemetry processing, and operational tooling.

Create hardware device drivers and embedded interfaces for avionics subsystems.

Participate in code reviews, system design discussions, and contribute to improving software quality and reliability across the stack.

Work in close coordination with systems engineering, flight operations, and other engineering teams.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.

3+ years of professional software development experience.

3+ years of experience in C++ or a similar programming language.

Nice to Have

Experience with Linux development and networked software systems.

Experience with flight software and control system development for UAVs, rockets, or spacecraft.

Experience writing embedded software and device drivers.

Strong understanding of version control, testing, and continuous integration.

Why Join Us?

Work on one of the world's most advanced spaceplane programs.

Be part of a high-performance, multidisciplinary team pushing the boundaries of aerospace.

Contribute directly to systems that will fly to space.

Enjoy a dynamic, flat-structured environment where initiative and ownership are encouraged.

About Us – Dawn Aerospace

We\'re a tight-knit, cross-functional team with a passion for building things that matter.

If you\'re ready to be part of a bold, hands-on engineering challenge that's changing how space is accessed—let's talk.

And even if you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you.

Please also note that due to our current customer base and the nature of our industry and technology, we are required to conduct background checks that are undertaken for security reasons.

These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that the Employee be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by domestic and foreign regulations.

Under these regulations, an employee may be ineligible for a role in our New Zealand office if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if they hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Information Technology and Engineering

Industries

Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

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