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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

K2 Space

Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Experience with spacecraft flight software development * Fluency with Linux systems programming and ... Experience working with hard real-time embedded systems (bare-metal or RTOS) * Experience authoring ...

K2 Space

Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Experience with spacecraft flight software development * Fluency with Linux systems programming and ... Experience working with hard real-time embedded systems (bare-metal or RTOS) * Experience authoring ...

K2 Space

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

... embedded software on microcrontrollers (Rust, C++),to operating systems (Rust, C++, C), to HDL ... Experience with spacecraft flight software development * Fluency with Linux systems programming and ...

K2 Space

Principal Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

... embedded software on microcrontrollers (Rust, C++),to operating systems (Rust, C++, C), to HDL ... Experience with spacecraft flight software development * Fluency with Linux systems programming and ...

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All JobsEmbedded Flight Software Engineer JobsEmbedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Embedded Flight Software Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$79.7K

$174.6K

$198K

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded flight software engineer in Seattle, WA is $174,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $149,600.00 and $196,900.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Flight Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA 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 $174,554 per year, or $83.9 per hour.

Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA • On-site

K2 Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about K2 Spaceexternal

$123K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price - and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger - helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
The software team at K2 is building our stack primarily in Rust because we believe modern programming languages should be fun, as well as correct. We see Rust as a key enabling technology that allows us to be more effective as software engineers across the entire stack whether that is contributing to the GNC algorithms, application software on flight computers, embedded software on microcontrollers, and many things in-between.
As a part of the team, you will be responsible for the development and verification of the software used to fly some of the largest spacecraft that have ever been flown. You will be able to write mission-critical code that controls propulsion systems, attitude control systems, and power systems to ensure safe and reliable operation of the vehicle. In your first 6 months you will develop core pieces of the software architecture including the strategies for fault tolerance, real-time control, and telemetry downlink. In your first year you will implement larger software systems and begin verifying your code using both software and hardware in the loop simulators. In your first two years you will operate your code on multiple spacecraft, demonstrating robust performance in demanding missions.
Responsibilities
  • Create software architecture for real-time, fault tolerant control of a 20kW+ spacecraft
  • Develop software applications for control of spacecraft subsystems, including propulsion, guidance/attitude control, thermal, power, and communications systems
  • Design and implement state machines for robust operation of the spacecraft
  • Author drivers for microcontroller peripherals and external sensors.
  • Create and utilize robust tools to allow for rapid deployment of quality code
  • Perform data analysis and anomaly investigation to identify and resolve software bugs
  • Support integration and testing of the spacecraft subsystems
  • Build and maintain infrastructure to increase reliability when developing and testing software

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or a STEM discipline or 3+ years of professional experience in software engineering
  • Development experience in C/C++ or Rust

Nice to Have
  • Experience with spacecraft flight software development
  • Fluency with Linux systems programming and driver development
  • Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery systems
  • Experience working with hard real-time embedded systems (bare-metal or RTOS)
  • Experience authoring no_std systems in Rust
  • Basic knowledge of electronics, computer architecture, and control systems
  • Experience developing or working with state machines
  • Experience with software verification and testing methods
  • Experience with software and network performance analysis and debugging
  • Experience working in Rust production environments
  • Experience with fault tolerant software design and implementation
  • Experience defining and creating test systems for both hardware-in-the-loop and hardware-out-of-the-loop

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Base salary range for this role is $123,000 - $160,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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