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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

This Software Engineering role is within the Uncrewed Land and Air Systems division. Our team is ... Professional experience in autonomous driving/flight or robotics industry with experience in ...

Java Software Engineer - Scrum Master

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$56 - $76.75/hr

Leidos is seeking Java Software Engineer - Scrum Master to join the Air Traffic Business Area ... This work aligns with the FAA's broader initiative to modernize legacy flight service capabilities ...

Java Software Engineer - Scrum Master

Gaithersburg, MD · Hybrid

$56 - $76.75/hr

Leidos is seeking Java Software Engineer - Scrum Master to join the Air Traffic Business Area ... This work aligns with the FAA's broader initiative to modernize legacy flight service capabilities ...

Showing results 41-60

Flight Software Engineer information

See Maryland salary details

$34

$52

$73

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.

Aerospace Software Engineer/Developer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 73 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you interested in taking missile system models and translating their design characteristics into algorithms and methodologies that can be used in flight-ready software?
Do you like working with a team to take innovative ideas from proof of concept to program ready final products?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a software engineer/developer to help us develop and translate algorithms, concepts and approaches for the mission planning, fire control and guidance of missile systems to flight-ready software.
As an Aerospace Software Engineer/Developer you will...
  • Develop software for mission planning, weapon control, and guidance systems using advanced methodologies
  • Design methods for evaluating and testing developed software
  • Algorithmically model the challenging dynamics of hypersonic vehicles in varying environments
  • Interact with sponsors and external representative to formulate concepts of operation for these novel and advanced technologies
  • Document and present work to sponsors and third-party collaborators

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; Computer Science; applied mathematics; or related technical field and 2+ years of relevant experience
  • Have significant experience in programming languages such as C++, MATLAB, or Python
  • Are familiar with software repositories, bug tracking systems, and collaboration tools.
  • Have knowledge of flight dynamics, navigation, guidance, and control
  • Are able to obtain a Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Hold a M.S. or PhD. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; Computer Science; applied mathematics; or related technical field with relevant experience in modeling and simulation of flight systems
  • Have experience developing 3-DoF and/or 6-DoF flight simulations
  • Have some knowledge of optimization techniques/optimal control
  • Have worked with solvers such as SNOPT, IPOPT, ECOS, etc.
  • Are willing and able to travel 10 to 20 days a year
  • Hold an active Top Secret security clearance or higher

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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