Space Operations Computing - Software Engineer (New Grad)
This entry-level Software Engineer role at Confidential Client supports NASA's Low Earth Orbit Avionics and Software Computer Resources team, focusing on software development and IT platform maintenance for the International Space Station. The position involves software design, implementation, testing, user support, and collaboration with engineers and customers, requiring adaptability to new technical challenges and strong communication skills. The role also includes managing Apple devices, virtualization technologies, and automation using Ansible within a government security environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Professional Services.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client seeks an entry-level Space Operations Computing - Software Engineer (New Grad) to join a team supporting Low Earth Orbit (LEO) avionics and software computer resources for International Space Station (ISS) platforms. This role is based in Houston, TX and is ideal for recent graduates or early-career software engineers who want hands-on experience with systems software, device management, virtualization, and automation in a mission-critical environment.
What You’ll Do
- Collaborate with systems engineers, testers, software developers, and end users to design, implement, test, and maintain software and platform components that support LEO/ISS operations.
- Perform full lifecycle software development tasks: requirements analysis, design, implementation, unit/integration testing, and post-release user support.
- Provide hands-on user support and customer-facing communication for deployed systems.
- Support Apple device management activities (configuration, enrollment, compliance, troubleshooting) for managed iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices.
- Assist with virtualization technologies that underpin ISS platform infrastructure.
- Contribute to automation and configuration management using Ansible for systems and platform components.
- Tackle unfamiliar technical tasks through research, experimentation, and iterative learning; document findings and recommended approaches.
- Work independently when required and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, with 0–5 years of relevant experience; anticipated degree completion by December 2026 is acceptable.
- Hands-on experience with one or more programming languages: C, C++, C#, Java, or JavaScript.
- Familiarity with Unix/Linux and Windows environments; basic web development experience is a plus.
- Experience or exposure to Apple device management solutions (e.g., Jamf) and supervised Apple device environments.
- Practical knowledge of virtualization technologies and automation/configuration tools such as Ansible.
- Strong oral and written communication skills for technical collaboration and customer support.
- Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, exercise initiative, and apply critical thinking to technical problems.
- Team-oriented mindset with attention to detail and professional conduct.
Essential Requirements & Working Conditions
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation and any required security eligibility processes.
- Applicant selected may be subject to government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
- Ability to sit for extended periods; occasional lifting/carrying up to 25 lb may be required.
- Must have sufficient mobility to access test facilities and perform on-site tasks when required.
- Primarily an office environment, with potential inside/outside work depending on tasks.
- Regular attendance and flexibility to adjust schedule for peak periods or surge requirements.
- Ability to travel or commute to other installations as needed.
- This position requires adherence to a drug-free workplace policy; a post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment.
Preferred / Helpful Experience
- Coursework, internships, or projects involving embedded systems, avionics, or mission operations.
- Prior use of Jamf or other Apple device management platforms.
- Exposure to automation tooling (Ansible) for configuration management or CI/CD pipelines.
- Experience with virtualization platforms relevant to enterprise systems.
- Demonstrated academic or project work in C/C++ or Java for system-level programming.
What We Offer
- Real-world experience supporting mission-critical LEO/ISS systems in a Professional Services environment.
- Mentoring and professional development opportunities to accelerate technical and operational growth.
- A collaborative team culture focused on creativity, inclusion, and work-life balance.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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