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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lynk

Flight Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Job Summary The Flight Software Engineer at Lynk will be developing flight software applications for commanding and controlling our satellites. This includes developing our satellite command and data ...

Scout Space

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$127K - $168K/yr

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer , you will lead the development of Scout's flight software systems for imaging payloads which perform image capture, processing, and data exploitation on orbit ...

Scout Space

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer , you will lead the development of Scout's flight software systems for imaging payloads which perform image capture, processing, and data exploitation on orbit ...

Scout Space

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer , you will lead the development of Scout's flight software systems for imaging payloads which perform image capture, processing, and data exploitation on orbit ...

Umbra

Embedded Flight Software Engineer (Rust)

Reston, VA · On-site

$136K - $180K/yr

About the Job We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer who possesses experience in Rust programming language to take an active role in the development and delivery of embedded flight software ...

New

Umbra

Embedded Flight Software Engineer (Rust)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$151K - $199K/yr

About the Job We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer who possesses experience in Rust programming language to take an active role in the development and delivery of embedded flight software ...

New

SAIC

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

The Software Systems Engineer supports the design, development, integration, test, deployment, and ... with flight and ground systems, and comply with programmatic, security, safety, and quality ...

Blue Origin

GN&C Navigation Engineer III

Reston, VA

$164K - $230K/yr

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including GNC, Flight Software, Systems Engineering, and ... Operations * Embody the Blue Origin leadership principles Minimum Qualifications: * M.S. degree in ...

Blue Origin

GN&C Navigation Engineer III

Reston, VA · On-site

$164K - $230K/yr

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including GNC, Flight Software, Systems Engineering, and ... Operations * Embody the Blue Origin leadership principles Minimum Qualifications: * M.S. degree in ...

SAIC

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Collaborate with flight software, ground software, cybersecurity, and hardware engineering teams to ensure end-to-end system integration. Participate in system design reviews, software technical ...

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All JobsFlight Software Engineer JobsFlight Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Flight Software Engineer information

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$35

$53

$74

How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight software engineer in Virginia is $53.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.57 and $58.37 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 Virginia? For Flight Software Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Software Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Flight Software Engineer jobs near you
Flight Software Engineer

Flight Software Engineer

Lynk

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Lynk
Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to standard phone technology aka sat2phone, and has the world's only commercial license from the FCC to operate a commercial sat2phone system. Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space via standard unmodified, mobile devices. Lynk's service has been tested and proven on all seven continents, has regulatory approvals in more than 30 countries and is currently being deployed commercially based on more than 40 MNO commercial service contracts covering approximately 50 countries.
Our technology will enable all 8 billion people on the planet to stay connected with the existing standard phone in their pocket. Everywhere. No matter what.
By joining Lynk, you will have the opportunity to directly touch the lives of billions. Your mission will be to bring mobile broadband to billions, pull hundreds of millions out of poverty, and save countless lives.
Job Summary
The Flight Software Engineer at Lynk will be developing flight software applications for commanding and controlling our satellites. This includes developing our satellite command and data handling system software, in addition to supporting software for both its primary (payload) and secondary radio communications functions. The software will initially be tested on the satellite prototype in a lab environment "flatsat" that simulates orbit operations. You will also be responsible for building the telemetry and instrumentation needed to capture data during tests and ensure successful verification and validation.
We build spacecraft fast! So, the ideal candidate enjoys designing, developing, and testing software on rapid timelines. We are looking for engineers who enjoy a challenge and have a track record of creative thinking to solve unconventional problems. This is a small team, so you will work alongside experienced engineers and take ownership of systems early.
Experience with satellites is not a requirement for this position. We welcome candidates across experience levels, from exceptional new graduates to seasoned engineers; title, scope, and compensation scale with experience. If you've built embedded or autonomy software in an adjacent domain - robotics, automotive, drones, or similar - you'll find much of your experience translates directly. If you are a systems-minded software engineer eager to take on an unfamiliar domain, we want to hear from you.
Core Responsibilities
You will contribute to the design, development, and testing of spacecraft flight software systems, including those that implement our spacecraft Command and Data Handling; Power; Communications; and Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems. This includes:
  • Contributing to the design of software solutions critical to the operation of our spacecraft, and developing these as Linux applications that run on satellite flight systems.
  • Working in a small, agile team to execute the software development lifecycle (requirements definition, design, implementation, test, and verification) across many individual projects.
  • Participating in design and code reviews, and collaborating with the team to uphold best practices for the flight software codebase.
  • Supporting Lynk's Operations and Payload teams, who each bring unique demands on the satellite flight systems.
  • Creating embedded software to interact with satellite devices and electronics using CAN, I2C, SPI, RS-422, RS-485, and other protocols.
  • Implementing inter-application coordination and communications using standard inter-process communication (IPC) mechanisms available in Linux.
  • Developing test software to support unit, integration, and system testing of all flight software functions.
  • Building the telemetry, instrumentation, and data-capture tooling used to verify and validate flight software on our flatsat.

Basic Qualifications
  • Proficiency in at least one systems programming language such as C, C++, or Rust, demonstrated through professional work, significant academic/personal projects, or open-source contributions.
  • A willingness to work in the Rust programming language.
  • Familiarity with Linux and operating system principles.
  • Experience building software that interacts with hardware devices, or a strong systems background and eagerness to work close to hardware.
  • An understanding of the phases of the software development life cycle.
  • Experience writing automated tests for software you build.
  • Familiarity with Git and the fundamentals of CI/CD systems.
  • A Bachelor's degree or higher in Software, Computer, Electrical, Aerospace, or a related engineering field, or equivalent practical experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Several years of professional software engineering experience.
  • Network and socket programming experience, particularly for telemetry or commanding interfaces.
  • Experience with inter-process communication (IPC) mechanisms.
  • Advanced knowledge of the Rust programming language.
  • Familiarity with embedded Linux systems, including the Yocto/OpenEmbedded project.
  • Experience developing and testing software for SmallSats / CubeSats.
  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop integration and testing.
  • Experience with Protocol Buffers, ZeroMQ, gRPC, and Systemd.

ITAR Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations (ITAR), applicants must be one of the following: (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158. Individuals who do not meet these criteria must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. For more information, please refer to the ITAR guidelines.
Learn about ITAR here.
Job Location
Chantilly, VA

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