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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$105K - $155K/yr

Overview Flight Software Engineer LOCATION: Hybrid (Kirtland AFB, NM), Remote U.S. eligible JOB ... Experience developing embedded or flight software in C or C++ * Experience with satellite bus or ...

Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems.  * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems. * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems. * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

GNC Embedded Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$155K - $200K/yr

Senior GNC Embedded and HIL Engineer GNC Software Engineer | Embedded Flight Software | SIL / HIL Infrastructure Job Title Senior GNC Software Engineer Location Hybrid, Tucson, Arizona (on-site for ...

Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems. * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

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Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems. * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems.  * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

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Embedded Flight Software Engineer information

See salary details

$70K

$153.4K

$174K

How much do embedded flight software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded flight software engineer in the United States is $153,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded flight software engineer?

Embedded Flight Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software that runs on embedded computer systems within aircraft, spacecraft, or satellites. They work closely with hardware engineers to ensure that the software interfaces correctly with sensors, actuators, and control systems used for flight operations. Their responsibilities often include programming in languages like C or C++, debugging real-time systems, and ensuring compliance with safety and reliability standards. This role is critical in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of aerospace vehicles.

What are some common challenges embedded flight software engineers face when working on spacecraft projects?

Embedded Flight Software Engineers often work under strict reliability and safety requirements, which means testing and validation are critical and highly rigorous. They frequently collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure software and hardware integration is seamless, and must manage constraints such as limited processing power and memory. Additionally, they need to adapt to changing project requirements and tight deadlines, all while staying up-to-date with evolving aerospace standards and technologies. These challenges make strong problem-solving skills and effective communication essential in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded flight software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Flight Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science or engineering, proficiency in C/C++ programming, and experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems. Familiarity with aerospace standards, software development tools (such as Git, Jenkins), and certifications like DO-178C for software safety are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure reliable, safe, and efficient software for mission-critical aerospace applications.

What is the difference between Embedded Flight Software Engineer vs Embedded Systems Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Flight Software EngineerEmbedded Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; experience with aerospace standardsBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; similar certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft, satellites, aerospace industry, safety-critical systemsConsumer electronics, automotive, industrial devices, various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace and defense sectorsBroad industry application including automotive, medical, consumer electronics
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared due to specialized embedded software in aerospaceMore general embedded systems roles in various sectors

Embedded Flight Software Engineers focus on developing software for aerospace applications like satellites and spacecraft, requiring specialized knowledge of aerospace standards. In contrast, Embedded Systems Engineers work across multiple industries, designing software for everyday devices. While both roles involve embedded programming, the industry focus and application environments differ significantly.

More about Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Embedded Flight Software Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Embedded Flight Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $153,383 per year, or $73.7 per hour.

Embedded Flight Software Engineer 3

United Launch Alliance

Centennial, CO • On-site

$107K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


United Launch Alliance rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Requisition ID: 1998

Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00 

Location: ULA - Denver 

Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available 

Travel Requirements: None/Infrequent 

At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.

Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!

Job Overview & Responsibilities

At ULA, an Embedded Flight Software Engineer 3 will act as a hands-on developer to deliver operational and enabling capabilities designed to meet real-time requirements for an embedded flight control system.

As Embedded Flight Software Engineer you will:

  • Will act as a hands-on developer to deliver operational and enabling capabilities designed to meet real-time requirements for an embedded flight control system. 
  • Responsible for designing, developing and documenting software products.   Design and develop using modern software principles, resolving complex technical problems and provide solutions which are innovative and ingenious.
  • Develops across the full software lifecycle by refining requirements, designing subsystems, implementing code modules, and building integration, component, and unit tests to verify the software.
  • Will work with a highly collaborative team in an agile environment.  Expected to use appropriate standards, processes, procedures and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of Flight Software.
  • Engage with Product Owners, Technology Representatives, Architects, QA and automation team members on cross-functional activities to design, develop, and test cutting-edge software solutions.
  • Work with technical leaders to ensure software engineering best practices are used to development top-notch solutions.   
  • Mentor less-experienced engineers to develop their knowledge and efficiency. 
  • Lead the design and implementation of major software subsystems, driving architectural discussions and making critical technical decisions with minimal oversight.

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years of Experience

Minimum of 4 years of related work experience

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field from an accredited college or university
  • Experience with C and C++ programming with exposure to embedded programming and/or robotics
  • Experience with Object Oriented Design
  • Experience with Linux
  • Embraces leanagile development and shared design philosophy
  • Understanding of Software Configuration Management practices and tools such as git
  • Embraces using AI-Assisted tooling in all aspects of development
  • Experience with Microsoft Office applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
  • Excellent ability to communicate technical content to collaborators

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Python, Perl, JavaScript and other scripting languages
  • Experience with one or more of the following modern software development practices:
    - Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)
    - Agile Methodologies- Test Driven Development (TDD)
  • Familiarity with an embedded (aerospace, raspberry pi, Arduino, robotics) application
  • Hardware/Microprocessor/Software Integration
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Familiarity with various communication protocols (Ethernet, RS-422, MIL-STD-1553)
  • Familiarity with UML
  • Familiarity with cloud technology (e.g. AWS)
  • Familiarity with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
  • Experience with rocketry

Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only):  $107,865.00 - $179,775.00 

Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay. 

What makes ULA different?

Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.

We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:

  • 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
  • Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
  • Generous paid time off
  • Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).

ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).

Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted


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