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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Flight Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$85 - $115/hr

Lynk is developing satellite direct-to-phone technology and seeks a Flight Software Engineer to design and develop flight software applications for commanding and controlling satellites. You will ...

Flight Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Flight Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$80 - $120/hr

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 ...

Flight Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$80 - $120/hr

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 ...

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA ยท 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 ...

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA

$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 ...

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA ยท 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 ...

The Satellite Systems Software Engineer must possess and have successfully demonstrated satellite engineering experience. Requires excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and oral and written ...

Flight Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The Satellite Systems Software Engineer must possess and have successfully demonstrated satellite engineering experience. Requires excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and oral and written ...

Flight Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The Satellite Systems Software Engineer must possess and have successfully demonstrated satellite engineering experience. Requires excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and oral and written ...

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Software Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$35

$53

$74

How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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.

Infographic showing various Flight Software Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,753 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Flight Software Engineer

Linuxcareers

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

$85 - $115/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Lynk is developing satellite direct-to-phone technology and seeks a Flight Software Engineer to design and develop flight software applications for commanding and controlling satellites. You will work on the satellite command and data handling system, communications functions, and telemetry infrastructure, initially testing on a laboratory prototype that simulates orbit operations.

What You'll Do
  • Design and develop Linux applications for satellite flight systems, including command and data handling, power, communications, and guidance/navigation/control systems
  • Create embedded software to interact with satellite hardware using CAN, I2C, SPI, RS-422, RS-485, and other protocols
  • Implement inter-application coordination using standard Linux inter-process communication mechanisms
  • Develop test software and telemetry tooling to verify and validate flight software on the flatsat laboratory environment
  • Participate in design and code reviews to maintain best practices for the flight software codebase
What You Need
  • Proficiency in at least one systems programming language (C, C++, or Rust) demonstrated through professional work, academic projects, or open-source contributions
  • Willingness to work in the Rust programming language
  • Familiarity with Linux and operating system principles
  • Experience building software that interacts with hardware devices, or strong systems background with eagerness to work close to hardware
  • Understanding of the software development life cycle phases and experience writing automated tests
  • Familiarity with Git and CI/CD systems fundamentals
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree or higher in Software, Computer, Electrical, Aerospace, or related engineering field, or equivalent practical experience
Nice to Have
  • Several years of professional software engineering experience
  • Network and socket programming experience for telemetry or commanding interfaces
  • Inter-process communication (IPC) mechanisms experience
  • Advanced knowledge of Rust programming language
  • Familiarity with embedded Linux systems including Yocto/OpenEmbedded
  • Experience developing and testing software for SmallSats or CubeSats
  • Hardware-in-the-loop integration and testing experience
  • Experience with Protocol Buffers, ZeroMQ, gRPC, and Systemd
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