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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Quantum Space

Flight Software Engineer II

Rockville, MD · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Who We're Looking For We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and test embedded software that powers our spacecraft and payload systems. You will work across ...

MCSG Technologies

CFS SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

Greenbelt, MD · Hybrid

PRIMARY DUTIES Flight Software Development * Develop, maintain, and sustain reusable Core Flight ... Software Engineering & Integration * Collaborate with the cFS Product Development Lead (PDL) and ...

MCSG Technologies

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

Greenbelt, MD · Hybrid

The cFS Software Developer (Mid-Level) will support the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Flight Software Systems Branch on the Early Career Initiative (ECI) Lunar Precision Clock Project. The ...

Quantum Space

Software Systems Engineer III

Rockville, MD · On-site

$176K - $209K/yr

Working closely with flight software, ground software, autonomy, mission operations, guidance ... This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep software expertise with strong systems ...

AST SpaceMobile

Software Systems Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site +1

$173K - $205K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a Software Systems Engineer to join our Software Development Team ... flight, ground, and testing domains, while also supporting the coordination of daily software ...

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Flight Software Engineer information

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$34

$52

$73

How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight software engineer in Maryland is $52.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.61 and $57.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Flight Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Software Engineer, you need strong expertise in computer science, embedded systems, and control theory, usually supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Experience with C/C++, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and aerospace industry standards like DO-178C is highly valued, along with certifications in safety-critical software development. Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities set top candidates apart. These skills ensure software reliability, mission success, and seamless collaboration in safety-critical aerospace environments.

What does a Flight Software Engineer do?

A Flight Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software that controls and monitors spacecraft, satellites, or aerospace vehicles. They ensure the software meets strict performance, reliability, and safety requirements for missions. This includes writing real-time code, integrating with hardware, debugging issues, and optimizing systems for efficiency. They work closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and mission operators to ensure seamless functionality.

What are some typical challenges faced by Flight Software Engineers, and how do they overcome them?

Flight Software Engineers often face challenges such as developing software for safety-critical systems with strict reliability and performance requirements, as well as troubleshooting issues in complex avionics environments. They regularly work under tight deadlines and must rigorously test and validate code to meet aerospace certification standards. Overcoming these challenges involves thorough documentation, close collaboration with hardware and systems engineers, and a commitment to continuous learning about evolving technologies. Employers value engineers who can adapt quickly, employ systematic debugging, and communicate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Software Engineer jobs in Maryland? For Flight Software Engineer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Software Engineer jobs in Maryland look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Software Engineer jobs in Maryland are:
Flight Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Software Engineer job openings in Maryland as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,420 per year, or $52.1 per hour.
Flight Software Engineer II

Flight Software Engineer II

Quantum Space

Rockville, MD • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and test embedded software that powers our spacecraft and payload systems. You will work across subsystem teams to implement flight behaviors, command sequences, and on-orbit functionality that directly impact mission success. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, iterative environment and who enjoys working at the interface of software, hardware, and operations.
Where You'll Make an Impact
  • Develop flight and payload software for embedded spacecraft systems running VxWorks and Linux.
  • Debug and integrate software with hardware subsystems across a variety of communication interfaces and protocols.
  • Collaborate with avionics, payload, propulsion, and GNC leads to implement subsystem behaviors in flight software.
  • Work with mission operations and ground software teams to design scheduling logic, command sequences, and autonomous behaviors.
  • Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, system integration, and functional verification of spacecraft software.
  • Document software behaviors, interfaces, and workflows to ensure cross-functional alignment across engineering teams.
  • Operate effectively in a schedule-driven, rapid development environment

What It Takes
  • BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience with C++ or another object-oriented programming language
  • Proficiency in Python for scripting, testing, and automation
  • Strong experience working in a Linux development environment, including but not limited to:
    • Shell scripting (bash)
    • Networking/IP
    • Serial/UART interactions
    • System-level debugging
  • Experience with Git and Git-based workflows such as GitLab
  • Familiarity with Agile software development processes
  • Ability to rapidly understand, navigate, and contribute to a large, previously developed codebase

Nice-to-Have Experience
  • 5+ years of C++ development experience
  • Experience developing flight software or other spacecraft-related software (ground tools, test frameworks, payload apps)
  • Background in embedded systems development
  • Experience with Docker or other containerization tools
  • Familiarity with common spacecraft interfaces such as I2C, RS-422/485, LVDS, SpaceWire, MIL-1553, Ethernet
  • Experience with Rocket Lab MAX FSW
  • Hands-on experience with VxWorks or other real-time operating systems (RTOS)

What You'll Get
  • Ownership - Build and shape the core software that executes on orbit and drives our mission capabilities.
  • Impact - Contribute directly to spacecraft behavior, autonomy, and mission execution.
  • Innovation - Work across hardware, software, and operations to develop the next generation of on-orbit systems.
  • Growth - Expand your technical depth in embedded systems, flight software, and spacecraft operations.
  • Compensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Location: Rockville, MD; or Hawthorne, CA; or Denver, CO
Base Salary: $100,000 - $150,000
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.
Additional Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

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