Flight Software Engineer

Flight Software Engineer

Location: Hawthorne, CA (On-site)

Employment Type: Full-time

Department: Engineering

Seniority Levels: Open to Levels 1–5 Compensation:

• Level 1: $120K–$140K + Equity
• Level 2: $130K–$155K + Equity
• Level 3: $160K–$190K + Equity
• Level 4: $180K–$215K + Equity
• Level 5: $195K–$235K + Equity Title and compensation will be based on experience and impact.

About the Role My client is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to design, build, and deploy embedded software for a fleet of low-Earth orbit spacecraft. This is a high-impact role with deep ownership across the full software lifecycle—from concept to orbit. You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure flight software is reliable, autonomous, and mission-ready.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop fault-tolerant, autonomous flight software systems for spacecraft operations
• Build infrastructure for simulation, testing, and large-scale deployment
• Implement software for command/data handling, guidance/navigation/control (GNC), and fault detection/isolation
• Own the full development cycle: architecture, implementation, testing, release, and on-orbit support
• Deliver over-the-air updates and support real-time mission operations
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and mission operations engineers to ensure mission success

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in C/C++ development
• Proven success on complex software or embedded systems projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing flight software for spacecraft or other high-reliability systems
• Embedded Linux and ARM microcontroller development
• Strong debugging, unit testing, and system integration skills
• Familiarity with fault-tolerant design patterns (e.g., watchdogs, voting logic, ECC)
• Understanding of networking protocols and embedded communication
• Exposure to industry standards like MISRA-C or JSF
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-ownership environments

Who Should Apply We prioritize exceptional talent over traditional credentials. If you’ve built something extraordinary, solved hard problems, or taken an unconventional path to mastery, we want to hear from you. My client is open to crafting unique roles for standout individuals.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision (base plans)
• HSA, FSA, 401(k), and commuter benefits
• Unlimited PTO with a two-week minimum annual requirement
• Daily catered lunches
• Equity in a company redefining what’s possible in orbit