Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California

Flight Software Engineer – Build Next-Generation Spacecraft Systems for High-Energy Missions!

El Segundo, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a venture-backed aerospace startup developing advanced spacecraft designed to operate in demanding orbital environments. This role sits at the heart of vehicle development, where software enables guidance, autonomy, communication, and overall mission execution. You will work closely with founders and a highly technical team to architect and deploy flight software that supports real-time, safety-critical spacecraft operations. This is a high-ownership opportunity for an engineer who thrives in fast-moving environments and wants to see their work move quickly from development to flight. You will contribute across the full lifecycle of vehicle software, from architecture and implementation through integration, testing, and mission support, helping shape both the product and the engineering culture as the company scales.

About Us

We are an early-stage space technology company building advanced in-space transportation and spacecraft systems aimed at expanding access to complex orbital missions. Founded by engineers with deep experience delivering flight-proven systems, the team combines startup speed with disciplined engineering practices to bring high-performance hardware and software together. Our environment emphasizes first-principles thinking, technical ownership, and rapid iteration toward real mission outcomes.

Job Duties

• Architect, develop, and deliver core flight software to meet system performance and reliability requirements
• Design, implement, integrate, and verify software supporting Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) functions
• Develop real-time systems for command and telemetry handling, mission sequencing, autonomy, and fault management
• Implement deterministic software features within a real-time flight framework for spacecraft operations
• Develop closed-loop control software supporting propulsion, attitude control, and other time-critical vehicle functions
• Write clean, efficient, and testable code for embedded and safety-critical applications
• Build communication interfaces and networking protocols including Ethernet, UDP, multicast, and similar technologies
• Collaborate closely with avionics, propulsion, GNC, and hardware teams across the full development lifecycle
• Design and maintain embedded software targeting microcontrollers and vehicle compute systems
• Develop detection and mitigation algorithms for anomalies such as sensor failures, actuator issues, or radiation-induced faults
• Participate in design reviews and code reviews, ensuring strong safety, reliability, and maintainability practices
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, system integration, environmental testing, and mission readiness activities
• Troubleshoot and resolve real-time issues during testing and operational phases
• Maintain clear documentation including architecture, ConOps, and software interface definitions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or similar technical discipline
• 2+ years of software development experience, preferably involving embedded systems or complex vehicles
• Strong experience writing C/C++ for embedded or real-time applications
• Solid understanding of operating systems, computer architecture, data structures, and networking fundamentals
• Experience with version control systems and modern software development practices
• Familiarity with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or Embedded Linux environments
• Understanding of microcontroller architectures and hardware interfaces
• Strong debugging, performance optimization, and root-cause analysis skills
• Ability to move quickly and contribute across multiple engineering disciplines in a startup setting
• U.S. Person status or eligibility to obtain required export licensing

Preferred Experience

• Hands-on experience delivering flight or vehicle software for spacecraft, launch vehicles, drones, robotics, or autonomous systems
• Background in mission operations, on-orbit support, or integrated system testing
• Familiarity with NASA cFS, ROS2, or similar aerospace middleware frameworks
• Experience designing deterministic systems for hard real-time constraints
• Exposure to safety-critical software development processes or formal certification environments
• Experience with additional tools or languages such as Python, Rust, Git-based workflows, Grafana, or comparable platforms
• Participation in integration, testing, launch, or operational phases of a space vehicle program

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to build flight-critical systems with real mission impact
• High level of technical ownership and influence
• Fast-paced startup environment with strong engineering autonomy
• Direct collaboration with experienced aerospace founders and technical leaders
• Opportunity for long-term growth as the company scales
• Work on cutting-edge space technology pushing the boundaries of orbital operations
• Equity participation and the ability to help shape a growing team

Compensation Details

$135,000 - $225,000

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