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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$113K - $148K/yr

Design, implement and maintain embedded flight software features and improvements * Analyze, test and perform I/O performance assessments upon integrated hardware/software solutions * Interface with ...

As a Flight Software Engineer III, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, testing ... We are looking for an engineer with solid embedded software experience and a passion for ...

As a Flight Software Engineer III, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, testing ... We are looking for an engineer with solid embedded software experience and a passion for ...

Showing results 21-40

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 3, 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 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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,383 per year, or $73.7 per hour.

Missile Flight Software Engineer

Verity Integrated Systems

Huntsville, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

Verity is building the next generation of high‑performance missile systems, and we're looking for a Lead Missile Flight Software Engineer who wants to own real hardware, make technical decisions that matter, and see their work go all the way to flight test.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Systems Integration

  • Lead the design, development, integration, and verification of embedded flight software for missile flight computers • Work across disciplines (GNC, avionics, seeker, propulsion, systems engineering) to define requirements and architect high‑reliability solutions • Own software execution from concept through hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL), qualification, and flight test events

Embedded Software & Real‑Time Development

  • Develop mission‑critical software in C/C++ (Rust or other languages as applicable) for real‑time processors, microcontrollers, and custom missile hardware • Implement and optimize control loops, state estimation, actuator control, sensor fusion, and telemetry handling • Develop board support packages, device drivers, and hardware‑abstraction layers for flight processors • Ensure deterministic timing, robust fault‑management, and safety‑critical execution

Test, Verification, and Flight Readiness

  • Lead HIL/SIL/processor‑in‑the‑loop testing and simulation‑driven verification • Debug and resolve system‑level issues involving timing, concurrency, and embedded communications • Support captive‑carry testing, ground test facilities, integration labs, and live‑fire developmental test campaigns

Program Leadership & Execution

  • Guide software planning, scheduling, team tasking, and technical execution • Estimate software size/cost, plan staffing needs, and support proposal development • Collaborate directly with customers, internal stakeholders, and flight test teams • Ensure adherence to DevSecOps pipelines, configuration management, and secure coding best practices

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field • 10+ years in embedded systems or real‑time flight software; 3+ years leading technical teams • Strong proficiency in C/C++ and experience with embedded processors (ARM, PowerPC, DSPs, or SoCs) • Hands-on experience delivering software for a fielded product or operational defense system • Experience integrating sensors, actuators, IMUs, seekers, GNSS, telemetry, and avionics components • Familiarity with RTOS or bare-metal environments and communication protocols (SPI, UART, CAN, 1553, Ethernet, etc.) • Working knowledge of CI/CD, Git, CMake, Docker, and hardware-level debugging tools • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Missile or weapon‑system flight software experience • Experience with guidance, control, terminal homing, seeker integration, and flight‑computer hardware • Experience developing safety‑critical software (DO‑178C, MIL‑STD, AIAA standards) • Experience with HIL testing, 6DOF simulation environments, MATLAB/Simulink, or mission‑simulation frameworks • Knowledge of secure coding, anti‑tamper, and cyber‑hardening for embedded systems • Experience with Agile development leading a software IPT, Scrum team, or technical product area

Why Join Us?

  • Work directly on flight‑critical and flight‑test‑proven missile systems • Influence architecture, system design, and mission‑critical code from day one • Small, high‑trust engineering teams with major technical ownership • Direct contact with hardware, flight computers, and test environments-not just software on a laptop • Clear advancement path: Principal Engineer, Chief Engineer, or Program Technical Lead • Competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a mission‑driven culture

Job Posted by ApplicantPro