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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems. * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems.  * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

GNC Embedded Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$155K - $200K/yr

Senior GNC Embedded and HIL Engineer GNC Software Engineer | Embedded Flight Software | SIL / HIL Infrastructure Job Title Senior GNC Software Engineer Location Hybrid, Tucson, Arizona (on-site for ...

Develop and maintain embedded flight software for our aircraft systems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and avionics systems. * Collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure ...

New

$120 - $222/hr

PrincipalSoftware Systems Engineer (Embedded Flight Systems) Requisition ID: Position Location: Fairfax, VA Position Reports To: Director, Software Engineering Supervises Others: No At Trident ...

Flight Software Engineer

Webster, TX · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Flight Software Engineer Develop embedded flight software and deploy it to hardware-in-the-loop testbeds for the space station subsystem integrations Location: Webster, Texas About The Role Flight ...

$95 - $110/hr

Develop, modify, integrate, and test real-time embedded flight software applications * Support ... Electrical Engineering * Software Engineering * Mechanical Engineering * Computer Science

New

Flight Software Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191 - $253/hr

Flight Software Engineer Develop and validate embedded flight software for Anduril UAVs, from drivers to flight control Location: Costa Mesa, California Compensation: $191,000 - 253,000 USD / year ...

Flight Software Engineer III

Seattle, WA · On-site

$164.65 - $230.51/hr

Flight Software Engineer III page is loaded## Flight Software Engineer IIIlocations: Greater ... We are looking for an engineer with solid embedded software experience and a passion for ...

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Embedded Flight Software Engineer information

See salary details

$70K

$153.4K

$174K

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded flight software engineer in the United States is $153,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $173,000.00 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.

More about Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Embedded Flight Software Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Embedded Flight Software Engineer job openings in the United States 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 $153,383 per year, or $73.7 per hour.

FLIGHT SOFTWARE SYSTEMS ENGINEER

MCSG Technologies

Greenbelt, MD

$90 - $110/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY: The NASA Software Engineering Services III (SES-III) contract provides engineering expertise supporting the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of NASA flight software systems. MVS is seeking a Flight Software Systems Engineer (Chief) to provide end-to-end flight software systems engineering leadership supporting the Advanced Limb Infrared Chemistry Experiment (ALICE) instrument for NASA's Stratosphere-Troposphere Research via Innovative Viewing Experiments (STRIVE) mission at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland. 
STRIVE is NASA's next-generation Earth Science mission designed to improve understanding of atmospheric processes, including stratosphere-troposphere interactions and their impact on ozone, weather, climate, and air quality. The ALICE instrument provides advanced infrared limb observations of atmospheric temperature, ozone, trace gases, aerosols, and clouds with unprecedented spatial resolution and sensitivity. 
The Flight Software Systems Engineer serves as the technical authority responsible for the complete software systems engineering lifecycle supporting the ALICE instrument. This position provides leadership from mission formulation through mission operations, including conceptual design, software requirements engineering, architecture development, interface definition, implementation oversight, integration, verification and validation, launch preparation, and on-orbit sustainment. The successful candidate will collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams while remaining technically engaged in software architecture, embedded flight software development, and system integration activities. Work Schedule: This is a part-time position. Location: Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD. This position is hybrid.

PRIMARY DUTIES

  • Lead end-to-end Flight Software Systems Engineering activities throughout the complete mission lifecycle. 

  • Develop and maintain flight software concepts of operation, system architecture, software requirements, interface definitions, and technical baselines. 

  • Analyze mission, spacecraft, and instrument requirements and decompose them into detailed software system and subsystem requirements. 

  • Lead software architecture development, software allocation, interface design, and technical solution development supporting the ALICE instrument. 

  • Develop program specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Requirements Verification Matrices (RVMs), and software verification plans. 

  • Participate in software implementation activities including coding, integration, debugging, and technical oversight of embedded flight software developed primarily in C/C++. 

  • Develop and maintain system test procedures supporting unit, integration, system, environmental, and mission-level testing. 

  • Coordinate software development activities across systems engineering, flight software, hardware, avionics, instrument engineering, integration & test, cybersecurity, and mission operations teams. 

  • Lead software technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, and peer reviews. 

  • Identify technical risks, perform engineering trade studies, and develop mitigation strategies. 

  • Support observatory integration, environmental testing, launch preparation, early orbit operations, and mission sustainment. 

  • Mentor software and systems engineers while serving as a Chief Technologist or Core Group Lead. 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Experience leading software systems engineering across concept development, requirements, architecture, implementation, integration, verification, validation, deployment, and maintenance. 

  • Experience developing software architectures, program specifications, interface definitions, and verification strategies. 

  • Experience developing embedded flight software using C/C++, Python, Java, FORTRAN, or similar languages. 

  • Experience analyzing, designing, programming, testing, debugging, and maintaining secure mission-critical software. 

  • Experience translating mission and system requirements into detailed software designs and implementation plans. 

  • Experience integrating flight software with spacecraft avionics, scientific instruments, and ground systems. 

  • Experience using Git, GitLab, or equivalent configuration management systems. 

  • Excellent leadership, communication, and technical writing skills. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • NASA Flight Software Systems Engineering experience. 

  • Earth Science mission experience. 

  • Instrument Flight Software development. 

  • Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML. 

  • DOORS, Jama, or equivalent requirements management tools. 

  • RTEMS, VxWorks, or embedded Linux. 

  • CCSDS protocols, SpaceWire, and spacecraft communication interfaces. 

  • CI/CD pipelines and automated software verification. 

  • Participation in SRR, PDR, CDR, SIR, TRR, FRR, ORR, and Launch Readiness Reviews. 

  • Launch and on-orbit mission operations support. 

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: 20+ years of experience in software systems engineering supporting aerospace, spacecraft, or embedded real-time software systems.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline. 

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain the required National Agency Check (NAC) clearance.

ABOUT US: At MCSG Technologies, we believe the path to success begins by empowering our employees to do what is best for our customers. This helps create value for our customers and business partners through efficiencies and cost-effective relationships that are built on trust, while delivering on-time and within budget. Our company ethos is simple Empowered to serve our customers, our communities, our colleagues. If you would like to learn more, please visit our website at www.mcsgtech.com or find us on Glassdoor.

BENEFITS OFFERED: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, parental leave, paid time off, holidays and more. Learn more about MCSG Technologies benefits: https://www.mcsgtech.com/benefits/.

COLORADO'S EQUAL PAY ACT: In compliance with Colorados Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; MCSG Technologies considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

EOE STATEMENT: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractors legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)