Flight Software Lead

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

As the Lead of the Flight Software team, you will design, develop, and own the software driving the autonomous operation of Apex’s satellite buses. You will be responsible for mentoring, tasking, and overall direction of the flight software team. In this role, you will balance long term planning with short term technical impact with a balance of roughly fifty percent management and fifty percent individual contributor work.

We are looking for motivated engineers who are eager to solve complex problems with a focus on practicality and scalability, and who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the flight software team in which you will design, implement and own mission critical software applications for satellite systems.

• Support commissioning of spacecraft during launch and early operations and ensure software systems remain functional during critical operations.

• Own spacecraft software solutions through the full lifecycle from initial design to deployment.

• Perform unit testing, integration testing, and system-level testing of software components, identifying and resolving any defects or issues.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to baseline product requirements and technical roadmaps.

Requirements:

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.

• 5+ years of total flight software experience

• 1+ years of leadership experience or senior technical role

• Bachelor’s degree in CS, EE or equivalent.

• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, Rust.

• Experience with real time systems running on distributed hardware.

Preferred Requirements:

• Knowledge of embedded Linux operating systems, system administration and creating Linux distributions (Yocto).

• Familiarity with network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP), secure communication systems, Protobuf and encryption.

• Familiarity with flight software frameworks such as F’ and cFS

Salary Range: $185,000 - $215,000 a year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup backed by $200M in Series C funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

• Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create

• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost

• Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

• Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%

• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel

• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day

• Vibrant community: Monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social gatherings for you and your family

• Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self

• World-class…