Software Engineer

Software Engineer: State Estimation & PredictionLos Angeles, USAbout LodestarLodestar's mission is to develop the first "Protect and Defend" capability for high-value space assets in orbit. Our flagship product MITHRIL is our hardware-agnostic, AI-enabled autonomy software suite that enables us to augment any off-the-shelf spacecraft with the ability to autonomously detect, characterise, and reversibly neutralise orbital threats. By building on the proven space heritage of our best-in-class satellite-bus partners and fully integrating MITHRIL into single unified platform, we deliver an end-to-end, autonomous in-space bodyguarding service.About the JobAt Lodestar, as a Software Engineer: State Estimation & Prediction, you'll be leading the development of our state estimation and prediction models at the core of Lodestar's flagship product, MITHRIL. You'll be focusing on researching and developing algorithms that fuse probabilistic estimation with machine learning to track targets, predict trajectories and assess intent.We proudly have an "extreme ownership" oriented engineering culture.What You'll DoDesign and implement Lodestar's core state estimation and prediction architecture for autonomous spacecraft operationsResearch and implement novel estimation and prediction algorithms - everything from lit. review, through training and tuning, to optimisation and deploymentDevelop classical and neural estimators to track the current state and trajectory of multiple dynamic targets in real timeCreate neural models to forecast future trajectories and behavioral patterns of targetsImplement intent inference models to identify actions and dynamically rank threat levelsIntegrate state estimation and prediction models into mission simulation environments and autonomy decision systemsCollaborate with cross-functional teams including, perception, and on-board autonomy to ensure prediction fidelity, robustness, and scalability across missionsBasic QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, a related field, or equivalent experience2+ years of distinguished industry experience in state estimation, aerospace, robotics, or a related fieldStrong proficiency in C++ and PythonDemonstrated experience with probabilistic state estimation (Kalman filters, particle filters, Bayesian inference)Experience with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) for sequence modeling (seq2seq, RNNs, LSTMs, Transformers)Familiarity with trajectory modeling, multi-body dynamics, or orbital mechanicsPreferred Skills & ExperienceTrack record implementing state estimation pipelines in real-time or safety-critical systemsExperience deploying sequence-to-sequence models for forecasting in dynamic environmentsFamiliarity with sensor fusion techniques (e.g., combining radar, optical, and inertial data)Proficiency with GPU acceleration (CUDA, TensorRT) for neural network training and inferenceExperience with Linux, Git, and CI/CD pipelinesComfortable with containerization tools such as Docker and KubernetesFamiliarity with real-time systems, multi-threading, and performance optimizationStrong understanding of networking and communication protocols for distributed autonomy systemsITAR RequirementsTo conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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 the ITAR here.Compensation & BenefitsPay Range: Junior Software Engineer: $120,000 - $140,000 / year, Software Engineer: $135,000 - $170,000 / year, Senior Software Engineer: CompetitiveMeaningful equity incentives as part of our employee option poolFlexible PTO with generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leaveComprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage401(k) retirement plan with company matchLAAdditional InformationCompensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision and dental coverage, as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.Lodestar is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Lodestar is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.