Flight Software Engineer

Description

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, implementation, integration, and verification of software for:
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms
  • Command and telemetry handling
  • Mission sequencing, autonomy, and fault management
  • Closed-loop control of propulsion, attitude control, and other time-critical systems
• Implement features for Impulse’s real-time flight software framework to meet deterministic performance requirements in space environments.
• Develop detection and mitigation algorithms for anomalies such as sensor failures, actuator malfunctions, or radiation-induced faults.
• Direct and participate in code reviews, ensuring compliance with software safety, reliability, and maintainability standards.
• Support mission operations and troubleshoot real-time issues during ground integration, environmental testing, and on-orbit operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related degrees
• 4+ years writing C/C++ code for an embedded system or vehicle of some kind (robot, car, drone, spacecraft, etc)
• Demonstrated understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, data structures, and computer networking
• Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux
• Experience using version control, test cases, and other software best practices

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Proven track record delivering flight software for spacecraft— including launch vehicles, OTVs, upper stages, or other in-space propulsion systems.
• Familiarity with NASA cFS, ROS2, or custom middleware for space applications.
• Expertise in designing software for deterministic timing and hard real-time constraints.
• Participation in successful integration, testing, launch, and mission operations of a space vehicle.