Flight Software Engineer

Vast is developing next‑generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies. Our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are rapidly developing the multi‑module Haven Station, and Haven Demo 2025 made us the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Flight Software. Full‑time, exempt position located in Long Beach, California.

You will develop fault‑tolerant code for safety‑critical systems and work closely with the avionics team to integrate flight code with avionics hardware. You will be part of a team that embraces finding and fixing errors as a positive experience, continuously improving processes and products.

• Collaborate with the Flight Software team to create highly reliable flight software for all Haven missions
• Work cross‑functionally with other disciplines (GNC, Thermal, Propulsion, Power, and ECLSS) to support algorithm implementation and integration into the flight software
• Assess and critique code in reviews, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards
• Develop driver‑level code to interface with radios, sensors, and actuators onboard for all Haven missions
• Develop and 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

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or another engineering discipline
• 10+ years of experience coding in C++

• Experience with fault‑tolerant and safety‑critical software design
• Experience developing software for complex systems such as spacecraft, aircraft, or autonomous vehicles
• Experience working in a continuous build and test environment
• Experience with embedded systems
• Experience working with satellite communications or telemetry systems
• Hands‑on experience with serial protocols such as UART, CAN, I2C, SPI, and/or Ethernet (TCP/UDP)
• Understanding of Linux kernel software and drivers
• Network programming experience
• Familiarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters
• Familiarity with the Atlassian Suite (JIRA, Bitbucket, Confluence)
• Familiarity with Git, CMake, and GNU tools
• Able to work in a Linux environment

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

$188,600 - $267,700 USD per year

Base salary will vary based on job‑related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Full‑time employees also receive company equity and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents; generous paid time off with up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days for non‑exempt staff (with the ability to cash out unused vacation annually);

paid parental leave; short‑ and long‑term disability insurance; life insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan;
Class Pass credits; personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health; and additional discounts and perks. Food perks such as snacks, drip coffee with onsite barista, cold drinks, and free dinner meals, plus lunch subsidized under Vast’s commitment to high‑quality meals.

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls and must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise be eligible for deemed export licensing.

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other legally protected status.