Flight Software Engineer

Flight Software Engineer - Help Launch the Future of Autonomy in Orbit

Opportunity Summary

We're building a next-generation autonomous platform designed for complex operations in extreme environments. Backed by forward-thinking investors and operated by a small, high-performance team, this early-stage startup is rapidly developing real-time software to control and coordinate highly dynamic vehicles. In this role, you'll be responsible for creating flight-critical software from the ground up. This includes system architecture, algorithm integration, and test development. From prototype to production, your work will directly enable next-gen mobility and autonomy in off-world environments. You'll have the chance to move fast, build big, and leave your mark on a first-of-its-kind system.

About Us

We're a lean, venture-backed company developing autonomous systems designed for operations in space environments. Our mission is to enable responsive mobility and reliable, repeatable access for both government and commercial operators. The founding team combines expertise in autonomy, controls, embedded systems, and mission-critical operations, and we're scaling up fast.

Job Duties

• Design and implement embedded software systems that control vehicle behavior in real time.
• Integrate guidance and control algorithms into fault-tolerant, deterministic execution environments.
• Own the software stack from board bring-up through integration with hardware subsystems.
• Develop testing frameworks, including simulation tools and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Debug issues across hardware and software boundaries, from low-level drivers to system-level performance.
• Collaborate with systems and controls engineers to translate architecture into code that meets mission requirements.
• Participate in trade studies, reviews, and technical deep dives to optimize system design.
• Write clear documentation and maintain high standards in testing, version control, and continuous integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience developing software for real-time or embedded systems.
• Deep fluency in C or C++, including memory management and performance optimization.
• Experience with systems programming and developing for constrained computing environments.
• Solid understanding of OS-level concepts, networking protocols, and low-level I/O.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team with a bias toward action.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• 5+ years of experience designing software for autonomous or embedded control systems.
• Proficiency with embedded Linux distributions such as Yocto or Buildroot.
• Familiarity with real-time frameworks like NASA cFS, F Prime, or ROS 2.
• Experience with protocol stacks such as SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, or custom communication layers.
• Previous work involving sensor fusion, estimation pipelines, or control loop integration.
• Testing experience in simulation, HIL, or low-level bring-up environments.
• Familiarity with Python for scripting and test automation.
• Exposure to safety-critical or fault-tolerant systems in aerospace, automotive, or robotics.
• Background in startups or agile product teams developing new technology platforms.

Security Clearance

• Must be able to obtain US Secret clearance.

Why Join Us

• High-impact role at a pivotal stage of product development
• Deep technical ownership and creative freedom
• Collaborative, low-ego engineering culture
• Equity upside in a venture-backed, high-growth company
• Flexible work environment with on-site lab and test access
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Ongoing opportunities to grow into leadership and influence future product directions

Compensation Details

135,000 - $185,000