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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, EMBEDDED SOFTWARE (STARLINK) As an embedded engineer on the Starlink flight software team, you will design, develop and test software that is used to control SpaceX flight and ...

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

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA Β· On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

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

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA Β· On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

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

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA Β· On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

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

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

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

Flight Software Manager

Seattle, WA Β· On-site

$148K - $207K/yr

As part of a hardworking team of software engineers, you will work with various subsystem ... embedded systems software engineeringProficiency in Jama or a similar requirements management ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Software Engineer, Embedded Software

Redmond, WA β€’ On-site

$145K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasΒ expired today.Β Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, EMBEDDED SOFTWARE (STARLINK)

As an embedded engineer on the Starlink flight software team, you will design, develop and test software that is used to control SpaceX flight and ground systems. You will be responsible for both components that fly on robotic vehicles in space, and the ground systems that orchestrate the world’s largest satellite constellation. You will engage with other SpaceX software and hardware engineers to discover the needs of the mission and code highly reliable software that turns the mission into a reality. You will be responsible for the complete life cycle of the software you create, from development to testing to operation during a continuous mission. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – rather, we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on an ambitious and inspiring mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems, and the full suite of testing needed to ensure their resilience, fault tolerance, and correctness
  • Design software for both vehicles flying in space, and the ground systems that support them
  • Build prototypes and analyze system metrics to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
  • Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, release, and flight operations
  • Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline OR 2+ years of experience in software development
  • Development experience in C/C++, Python, or other similar programming languages
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Interested candidates who meet the basic qualifications should consider applying. The following preferred skills and experience are helpful for this role, but candidates with only some of them are able to be successful on our team.
  • Learning on the job is critical success at SpaceX, and a core part of the excitement of working on a flight software team.
  • Strong software design and development skills
  • Experience designing fault tolerant, distributed, or real-time systems
  • Cross-context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests through to integrated hardware-in-the-loop regression and exploratory tests
  • Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
  • Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and performance testing
  • Familiarity with Linux programming
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
  • Ability to work independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
  • Pay Range: Level 1: $125,000.00 - $165,000.00
  • Level 2: $145,000.00 - $200,000.00
  • Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
  • Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
  • You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.
  • You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
  • Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.
  • Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Β§ 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Β§ 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
  • Learn more about the ITAR here .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.

  • Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Aff…
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