Senior Flight Software Engineer

Senior Flight Software Engineer - Help Build the Next Generation of Spacecraft Systems!

El Segundo, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

A fast-growing space technology startup is developing advanced spacecraft systems for high-energy orbital missions across LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar space. Founded by experienced engineers with backgrounds at leading aerospace organizations, the team is building next-generation propulsion and vehicle platforms that push the boundaries of orbital access and mission capability.

This role offers the chance to take ownership of critical flight software systems supporting upcoming vehicle demonstrations and future missions. You will work closely with a highly technical founding team, move quickly, and play a hands-on role across the full software lifecycle. As the company scales, this position has strong potential to grow in scope and leadership responsibility.

About Us

We are an engineering-driven space startup focused on developing innovative spacecraft and propulsion technologies for demanding missions beyond traditional low Earth orbit. Our team blends deep aerospace experience with a startup mindset, emphasizing rapid development, high accountability, and mission-focused execution. We are building proprietary systems that enable new mission profiles and expand what is possible in space operations.

Job Duties

• Lead the architecture and development of core flight software systems that meet performance, reliability, and mission requirements
• Implement and integrate software supporting guidance, navigation, and control, command and telemetry, mission sequencing, health monitoring, and fault management
• Develop real-time and safety-critical software using clean, efficient, and testable coding practices
• Support embedded software development for microcontrollers and flight hardware
• Implement and maintain communication interfaces such as UDP, Ethernet, and multicast protocols
• Collaborate closely with avionics and hardware engineers across the full product lifecycle
• Design and execute hardware-in-the-loop and system-level test activities
• Produce clear technical documentation for software design, operational concepts, and system behavior

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
• 2+ years of professional software development experience, ideally in aerospace or embedded systems
• Strong foundation in C or C++ with working knowledge of Python and Git-based workflows
• Experience working with real-time operating systems and satellite or embedded communication protocols
• Solid understanding of microcontroller architectures, interfaces, and system constraints
• Demonstrated ability to debug, optimize, and analyze system performance
• Comfortable working in fast-moving, resource-constrained environments
• Strong problem-solving skills using first-principles engineering approaches

Preferred Experience

• Background in flight software, spacecraft systems, or mission-critical embedded applications
• Experience with telemetry systems, command and control software, or mission management tools
• Familiarity with safety-critical software development and formal certification processes
• Knowledge of memory management, scheduling, and fault analysis for real-time systems
• Experience using tools such as Grafana or similar monitoring platforms
• Prior work in early-stage or high-growth startup environments

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge space technology
• High-impact role with real ownership and responsibility
• Direct collaboration with experienced technical founders
• Fast-paced environment with meaningful engineering challenges
• 401k with company matching
• Fully covered medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees
• Partial coverage for dependents
• Meaningful equity participation in a growing company
• Ability to grow with the company as it scales

Compensation Details

$150,000 - $210,000