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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

... 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 Aug 19, 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.

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 Development Engineer, Amazon Leo Optical Inter-Satellite Link

Amazon

Redmond, WA

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,096 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Amazon LEO is an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Its mission is to bring fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world. Amazon LEO will help close the digital divide by delivering fast, affordable broadband to a wide range of customers, including consumers, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations operating in places without reliable connectivity.
Innovation is part of our DNA

Our goal is to be Earth's most customer centric company, and we are just getting started. We need people who want to join this ambitious program that continues to push the state of the art in distributed systems and software design. Come work at Amazon!
Export Control Requirement: Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S

citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Key job responsibilities
Design, develop, and optimize highly reliable flight software for optical inter-satellite link systems, spanning low-level device drivers and real-time control loops to high-level autonomous behaviors, fault management, and AI/ML-driven decision-making that target embedded linux and RTOS (Real Time Operating System)
Architect and implement fault-tolerant, redundant software systems that keep optical links alive across a constellation of satellites, including health monitoring and autonomous recovery without ground intervention
Build and maintain robust test, validation, and simulation infrastructure, from hardware-in-the-loop testbeds and software-in-the-loop virtualizations to automated regression suites
Own the full lifecycle of embedded software delivery - from requirements decomposition and architecture design through implementation, code review, integration, deployment, and long-term maintenance of software running on satellites in orbit
Collaborate deeply with cross-functional teams spanning hardware, optics, systems, communications, and operations engineers to design, integrate, test, and deploy high-speed optical communication systems that push the boundaries of space-based networking
Drive continuous improvement of deployment and over-the-air (OTA) update processes, ensuring new capabilities and fixes can be safely and reliably delivered to hundreds of satellites on orbit with minimal operational risk
Partner with software and hardware teams to lead board bring-up and integration efforts, including developing and debugging low-level BSP (Board Support Package) components, validating peripheral connectivity (Ethernet, PCIe, SPI, I2C, flash devices), and ensuring seamless hardware-software integration from prototype through production
A day in the life
A day in the life As a Software Engineer on the Optical Inter-Satellite Link team, you won't just write code - you'll see it fly

Your software will control and monitor high-speed laser communications between satellites moving at orbital velocities, and you'll be there for every stage of the journey: from early design and on-the-ground verifications to watching your code commission an optical link for the first time in orbit.
About the team
You will join a multi-disciplinary team of top-notch engineers whose work spans an unusually wide aperture: embedded flight software running on satellites in orbit, cloud-based systems powering mission and network operations, automation frameworks that keep a growing constellation healthy, and AI-driven capabilities that make our optical links smarter with every orbit. We collaborate closely with optical, electrical, firmware, opto-mechanical, and operations teams - and with partner organizations including Mission Operations and Optical Network Operations - to deliver one of the most advanced optical communication systems ever built.


What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US