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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lynk

Senior Satellite Flight Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$125.40K - $165.30K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Satellite Flight Software Engineer at Lynk will be developing a variety of flight software applications for commanding and controlling our satellites. This includes developing ...

Scout Space

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$127.40K - $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

$127.40K - $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

$127.40K - $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

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA

$127.40K - $168K/yr

About the Job We are seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to support Umbra's Mission Solutions business unit in developing requirements, designing software architecture, writing code, and ...

Umbra

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$127.40K - $168K/yr

Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary engineering team to design, develop, and maintain reliable, fault-tolerant flight and payload software. * Architect and implement software solutions to meet high ...

Umbra

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$127.40K - $168K/yr

Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary engineering team to design, develop, and maintain reliable, fault-tolerant flight and payload software. * Architect and implement software solutions to meet high ...

Astrion

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140.90K - $185.80K/yr

Overview Senior Software Engineer LOCATION: Arlington, VA JOB STATUS : Full-time CLEARANCE : Top ... Evaluate the embedded tactical flight software, test equipment software, modeling and simulation ...

Astrion

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140.90K - $185.80K/yr

Overview Senior Software Engineer LOCATION: Arlington, VA JOB STATUS : Full-time CLEARANCE : Top ... Evaluate the embedded tactical flight software, test equipment software, modeling and simulation ...

Umbra

Senior Software Engineer (Command & Control)

Reston, VA · On-site

$127.40K - $168K/yr

Partnering closely with engineers across flight software, GNC, operations, and platform teams. We are particularly interested in engineers who bring a systems oriented mindset. People who can reason ...

Umbra

Senior Software Engineer (Command & Control)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140.90K - $185.80K/yr

Partnering closely with engineers across flight software, GNC, operations, and platform teams. We are particularly interested in engineers who bring a systems oriented mindset. People who can reason ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$173.60K - $205.80K/yr

... Flight Software Engineer, Space Mission Software Engineer, Spacecraft Integration Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180.30K - $213.70K/yr

... Flight Software Engineer, Space Mission Software Engineer, Spacecraft Integration Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$178.80K - $211.90K/yr

... Flight Software Engineer, Space Mission Software Engineer, Spacecraft Integration Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Software Engineer

Tysons, VA

$173.60K - $205.80K/yr

... Developer, Flight Software Engineer, Space Mission Software Engineer, Spacecraft Integration Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired)Bachelor's DegreeDEGREE (Focus)Aerospace Engineering, Computer ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180.30K - $213.70K/yr

... Developer, Flight Software Engineer, Space Mission Software Engineer, Spacecraft Integration Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired)Bachelor's DegreeDEGREE (Focus)Aerospace Engineering, Computer ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$178.80K - $211.90K/yr

... Developer, Flight Software Engineer, Space Mission Software Engineer, Spacecraft Integration Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired)Bachelor's DegreeDEGREE (Focus)Aerospace Engineering, Computer ...

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Flight Software Engineer information

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$35

$53

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How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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 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 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 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.
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Flight Software Engineer jobs near you
Senior Satellite Flight Software Engineer

Senior Satellite Flight Software Engineer

Lynk

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$125.40K - $165.30K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

About Lynk
Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to device or D2D technology, and has the world's only commercial license from the FCC to operate a commercial D2D 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 Senior Satellite Flight Software Engineer at Lynk will be developing a variety of 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. The senior software engineer will also be responsible for implementing methods of data acquisition to ensure successful testing, verification, and validation.
We build spacecraft fast! So, the perfect candidate for this role will have significant previous experience designing, developing, and testing software on rapid timelines. We are looking for engineers that enjoy a challenge and have a track record of creative thinking to solve unconventional problems.
Attention... Experience with satellites is not a requirement for this position. If you are a systems-level software engineer with a passion for tackling new and exciting domains, do not hesitate to apply! We are always looking for talented individuals that can bring a new perspective.
Core ResponsibilitiesYou will be responsible for design, development, and testing of all spacecraft flight software systems, including those that implement our spacecraft Command and Data Handling; Power; Communications; and Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems. This includes:
  • Leading the design of software solutions critical to the operation of our spacecraft, and developing these as Linux applications that run on satellite flight systems.
  • Writing this software in Rust targeting an embedded Linux environment.
  • Working in a small, agile team to manage and execute the software development lifecycle (requirements definition, design, implementation, test, and verification) for many individual projects.
  • Mentoring junior and mid-level engineers, conducting design and code reviews, and helping set technical direction for the flight software team.
  • Supporting Lynk's Operations and Payload teams, who each bring unique demands on the satellite flight systems.
  • Defining and implementing best practices for the flight software team, including usage of the Rust programming language.
  • 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 or IPC mechanisms available in Linux.
  • Developing test software to support unit, integration, and system testing of all flight software functions.

Required Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree or higher in Software, Electrical, Aerospace, or in a related engineering field.
  • 5+ years of professional software engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated mastery of at least one systems programming language such as Rust, C, or C++.
  • A willingness to work in the Rust programming language.
  • Familiarity with Linux, operating system principals, and network programming.
  • Demonstrated experience with all phases of the software development life cycle.
  • Experience developing software that interacts with hardware devices.
  • Experience with inter-process communication and IPC mechanisms.
  • Experience with Git source control and an understanding of CI/CD system fundamentals.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience.
  • 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
On-site in Chantilly, VA

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