Flight Software Engineer

Alexander Associates 

📍 California, United States 🇺🇸

full-time
mid-level
Posted —

Key Skills

C++RTOSLinuxtelemetrySPI

Industry

Space EngineeringAerospace

Job Description

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.

Location: California

Build the Software That Powers Space Missions

Our client is an innovative and rapidly growing space company developing next-generation spacecraft and satellite technologies. Their missions are shaping the future of space exploration, communications, Earth observation, and national security.

They are seeking a Flight Software Engineer to develop mission-critical onboard software that enables spacecraft to operate reliably in one of the most demanding environments imaginable. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to systems that will launch into orbit and beyond.

The Role

As a Flight Software Engineer, you'll work alongside spacecraft, avionics, GNC, and systems engineers to develop software that sits at the heart of space missions.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain flight software for spacecraft and satellite platforms

Develop embedded software solutions in C/C++ for real-time and resource-constrained environments

Implement software for command and data handling, telemetry, fault management, and onboard autonomy

Support software architecture, integration, testing, and validation activities

Work closely with hardware and systems teams to ensure seamless subsystem integration

Participate in mission simulations, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and launch readiness activities

Troubleshoot and resolve software issues during development, testing, and mission operations

Contribute to software development best practices, documentation, and code reviews

Requirements

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Strong professional experience developing software in C and/or C++

Experience working with embedded systems and real-time software

Understanding of software architecture, debugging, and performance optimisation

Experience with Linux-based development environments

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work within multidisciplinary engineering teams

Experience developing software for spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, or aerospace systems

Knowledge of RTOS environments such xlqdzyr as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or RTEMS

Familiarity with communication protocols including UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, or SpaceWire

Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing and system integration

Understanding of spacecraft subsystems, mission operations, or autonomy systems

Familiarity with aerospace standards and verification processes

Why Join?

Work on technology that will be launched into space

Collaborate with some of the brightest engineers in the industry

Competitive salary, bonus, and equity package

Comprehensive healthcare coverage

401(k) with company contribution

Flexible PTO and paid holidays

Career progression within a fast-growing space company

Opportunity to make a tangible impact on future space missions