Principal Flight Software Engineer

Position: Principal Flight Software Engineer United States
Principal Flight Software Engineer

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations and our initial crewed habitat, Haven‑1, will be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low‑Earth orbit in 2026.

Overview

This is a full‑time exempt position located in Long Beach, California. The role reports to the Vice President of Software and will support the design and build of artificial‑gravity human‑rated space stations.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable flight software for all Haven missions.

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with GNC, Thermal, Propulsion, Power, and ECLSS to support algorithm implementation and integration into flight software.

• Assess and critique code, ensuring adherence to best practices and established standards during code reviews.

• Work with GNC engineers to develop and integrate guidance, navigation, and control algorithms.

• Develop simulation and modeling software for a high‑fidelity real‑time simulation system.

• Create tools to facilitate Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HITL) testing environments.

• Write driver‑level code to interface with radios, sensors, and actuators onboard for all Haven missions.

• Maintain the Telemetry and Commanding Systems used to communicate with our vehicles.

• Develop unit and integrated tests and establish a continuous integration framework for flight software.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or another engineering discipline.

• 15+ years of coding experience with C++.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.Sc. in computer, math, physics, mechanical, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline.

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace.

• Knowledge of control systems, orbital mechanics, and modeling and simulation techniques.

• Experience developing flight code for space or satellite applications.

• Expertise in fault‑tolerant and safety‑critical software design.

• Experience developing software for complex systems such as spacecraft, aircraft, or autonomous vehicles.

• Experience with real‑time operating systems.

• Understanding of Linux kernel software and drivers.

• Network programming experience.

• Familiarity with the Atlassian Suite (JIRA, Bitbucket, Confluence).

• Experience with Git, CMake, and GNU tools.

• Ability to work in a Linux environment.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range:
California - $214,100 to $283,800 USD.

Base salary varies by experience, education, and market demand. Full‑time employees receive company equity and a comprehensive benefits package including 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents; flexible paid time off; paid parental leave; short‑and long‑term disability insurance; life insurance; a 401(k) plan;
One Medical membership;
Class Pass credits; personalized mental health care; and more.

U.S. Export Control Compliance

Hired employees must be U.S. persons as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing.

Equal Opportunity

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring based on merit, competence, and qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

Application Contact

Interested in building your career at Vast? Email  to submit your resume.

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