Flight Software Engineer; IV/V
Irvine, Orange County, California, 92713, USA
Listed on 2026-07-17
-
Software Development
Software Engineer, Python, Embedded Systems/ Firmware/ IoT, Embedded Software Engineer
Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations.
If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!
Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Staff Flight Software Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Flight Software Engineering Manager
, the Staff Flight Software Engineer will become an integral part of our dynamic team, driving the development of cutting‑edge nano‑satellite vehicle solutions across a variety of exciting projects. Your expertise will be pivotal in advancing our innovative technologies and contributing to the success of our mission‑critical initiatives.
Preferable to work on‑site for team synergy and access to hardware; remote work is possible after a sufficient period of onboarding.
Key Duties and Responsibilities- Collaborate with multiple engineering teams to establish software requirements.
- Perform as the technical lead of a satellite program.
- Lead a team of junior software engineers, providing mentorship and tasking.
- Design, develop, and maintain simple, reliable, and fault‑tolerant software.
- Develop software for unique payloads, such as imagers, image processors, communication devices, and various astronomical science instruments.
- Create comprehensive unit and regression tests in existing frameworks.
- Integrate and test software in simulation, flight replica, flight vehicle, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments.
- Communicate with the customer in technical working groups.
- Potential 10% travel to visit customers or vendors for design reviews and collaborative technical work.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent field.
- 8+ years (Staff Engineer – Level
4) of experience developing C++ applications for embedded, high‑performance, or critical systems. - 12+ years (Principal Engineer – Level
5) of experience developing C++ applications for embedded, high‑performance, or critical systems. - Prior experience using Git Hub or similar Git tool.
- Highly motivated, self‑starting, responsible, thorough, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.
- Experience using ARM and Texas Instruments platforms for embedded systems.
- Experience with test equipment, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.
- Experience with Linux and GNU tools such as make, GCC, and debuggers such as GDB.
- Experience with scripting languages such as bash and Python.
- Familiarity with build pipelines, deployment, and testing on‑target.
- Familiarity with Serial Communications – CAN, RS‑422/485, I2C, SPI, PCI, Space Wire.
Staff Flight Software Engineer (Level IV) – $150,000 to $190,000
Principal Flight Software Engineer (Level V) – $170,000 to $210,000
Actual level and base salary will be determined case‑by‑case and may vary based on job‑related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition, to the base salary we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) match;
Flexible Time Off (FTO); covered life insurance; maternity and paternity leave; tuition reimbursement; employee referrals; and additional perks.
- 100% Company‑paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
- 401(k) Match.
- Flexible Time Off (FTO).
- Education Reimbursement.
- Life Insurance.
- Maternity and Paternity Leave.
- Tuition Reimbursement.
- Employee Referrals.
- Additional Perks and Swag.
Terran Orbital is…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).