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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Software Engineer information

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How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a flight software engineer?

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 challenges do flight software engineers face 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:

Infographic showing various Flight Software Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,420 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Embedded Flight Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Linthicum, MD • On-site

$129K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman's Space Sector is seeking an Embedded Flight Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 to join our team in Linthicum, MD.

The software engineer will design, develop, integrate, and test software that manages a Space payload unit ensuring compliance with established requirements. Selected individuals will work on an agile development team, primarily using C++, Linux and/or Python. This role will support Payload and Ground Software Engineering Eastern Region in Linthicum, MD.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

In this job, you will:

The individual will work through all phases of the software development cycle including design, development, integration, and test. The selected individual will conduct peer reviews of software-related products, software designs, and additional technical documents, as well as participation in cross-functional scrum team. Successful candidates are expected to be able to understand system requirements, how they apply to system design, and be able to implement and debug software to accomplish defined completion criteria. Individuals must be self-starters and able to efficiently operate in a team environment. Existing engineering and system specialists will be made available to assist with any activities associated with executing primary tasking. However, the selected individuals will be expected to prioritize and make recommendations to Technical Leads, as required, to implement tasking assigned.

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

This position can be filled at either a Level 3 (Principal) or Level 4 (Sr Principal).

Basic Qualifications for Level 3 (Principal):

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with a minimum of 5 years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems - OR - Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with 3 years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems - OR PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with 1 year of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems.

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. Approval must be obtained within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the company, to meet business needs. Not required to start, US Citizenship required.

  • Experience developing Object Oriented code using C++

  • Ability to debug your own code, as well as trace and understand existing code

  • Experience integrating developed software applications, to include usage of tools and logs to examine data to verify correct operation and identify problem areas

  • Experience and ability to review work products and provide meaningful feedback

  • Experience in embedded software development, cross-compiling with GCC

  • Experience developing in a Linux environment

  • Experience with using software configuration management tools

Basic Qualifications for Level 4 (Sr Principal):

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with a minimum of 8 years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems - OR - Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with 6 years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems - OR PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with 4 years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems.

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. Approval must be obtained within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the company, to meet business needs.Not required to start, US Citizenship required.

  • Experience developing Object Oriented code using C++

  • Ability to debug your own code, as well as trace and understand existing code

  • Experience integrating developed software applications, to include usage of tools and logs to examine data to verify correct operation and identify problem areas

  • Experience and ability to review work products and provide meaningful feedback

  • Experience in embedded software development, cross-compiling with GCC

  • Experience developing in a Linux environment

  • Experience with using software configuration management tools

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active TS/SCI Clearance

  • Experience as a member of an Agile Scrum team

  • Experience with developing software in Python

  • Experience in embedded C++ optimizations

  • Experience debugging with GDB

  • Experience with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket)

  • Experience with software control of digital logic / FPGAs / firmware

  • Hands-on hardware integration and testing experience

  • Ability to debug complex integrated applications or test setup issues

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939