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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Embedded Software Engineer

Cambridge, MA

$143K - $189K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer at MORSE, you will be developing software to support Unmanned ... You will play a critical role in flight testing by defining test objectives, configuring software ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer at MORSE, you will be developing software to support Unmanned ... You will play a critical role in flight testing by defining test objectives, configuring software ...

Draper is looking for a highly skilled Flight Software Engineer, Distinguished to join the Mission ... They work on developing and debugging embedded software as well as executing software and system ...

Draper is looking for a highly skilled Flight Software Engineer, Distinguished to join the Mission ... They work on developing and debugging embedded software as well as executing software and system ...

Draper is seeking a senior embedded-software professional to lead the development of high ... The Senior Engineer will own the end-to-end software lifecycle-from requirements analysis and ...

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Embedded Flight Software Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$76K

$166.6K

$189K

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

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded flight software engineer in Boston, MA is $166,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $142,900.00 and $187,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are Embedded Flight Software Engineers?

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 popular job titles related to Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA? For Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Embedded Flight Software Engineer job openings:

Specialist, Embedded Software Engineer - (Aerospace Flight) : Sign-on bonus ($15K Max)

L3HHCM20

Wilmington, MA • On-site

$97K - $180K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Specialist, Embedded Software Engineer - (Aerospace Flight) : Sign-on bonus ($15K max)

Job Code: 39272

Job Location: Wilmington, MA

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Sign-On Bonus: A sign-on bonus of up to $15K may be included as part of an offer package for this level

Job Description: 

L3Harris Space and Mission Systems is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for our Wilmington, MA location to join a team of experts developing Embedded Flight Software for space-based imaging payloads.  This role requires an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, implementation, and optimization of real-time embedded control software for high-performance systems. This role focuses on bare-metal C programming, development of complex servo control functionality, and close collaboration with control algorithm engineers to translate advanced concepts into reliable embedded implementations.

We look forward to reviewing your application!

Essential Functions: 

  • Design, develop, test, and maintain real-time embedded software in C for bare-metal hardware platforms, with an emphasis on deterministic behavior, performance, and reliability.
  • Implement and optimize complex servo control algorithms operating at update rates up to 1 kHz, ensuring precise timing, stability, and responsiveness.
  • Integrate control algorithms with low-level hardware interfaces, including processors, peripherals, and communication paths, to support closed-loop system performance.
  • Partner closely with the algorithm development team to evaluate system behavior, review collected data artifacts and refine control implementations based on empirical results.
  • Analyze test data, debug real-time performance issues, and support iterative improvements to servo loop behavior, latency, and robustness.
  • Participate in system bring-up, troubleshooting, and validation activities for embedded hardware and software in lab and prototype environments.
  • Contribute to software architecture, code reviews, and best practices for embedded development, with attention to maintainability and verification.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.
  • Professional experience with embedded development on aerospace systems using C/C++.
  • Professional experience programming bare-metal embedded systems without reliance on a full operating system.
  • Professional experience working with timing constraints, interrupt-driven design, memory-mapped I/O, and performance optimization in resource-constrained environments.
  • Experience utilizing DevOps practices, Jenkins, and continuous integration tools.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance is highly preferred
  • Expertise in full spaced-based System lifecycle including requirements flow down and allocation, design, development, test, and sell-off.
  • Experience in embedded flight software development, system design, debugging, and integration of flight-like hardware
  • Experience implementing or supporting servo control algorithms in embedded environments.
  • Exposure to FPGA-adjacent or soft-core processor environments such as MicroBlaze.
  • Familiarity with data collection, signal analysis, and debugging tools used to evaluate real-time embedded system performance.
  • Experience in Command & Control Software, Sensor Processing Systems, and Optical Systems/telescopes.
  • Knowledge of microprocessor/microcontroller architecture and programming, and familiarity with FPGAs.
  • Familiarity with real-time control systems, servo loops, or other closed-loop embedded applications.
  • Knowledge of MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo) and wideband/narrowband telemetry and messaging.
  • Working knowledge of image processors, visible cameras, IR detectors, servo motors, actuators and focus mechanisms.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $97,000.00 - $180,000.00. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.