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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$80K - $120K/yr

Work with flight software, ground software, hardware engineering, and cybersecurity teams to support system integration. * Participate in technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR) as a junior ...

SAIC

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$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 ...

LV8D Solutions

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

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

LV8D Solutions

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

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

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

$80K - $120K/yr

Work with flight software, ground software, hardware engineering, and cybersecurity teams to support system integration. * Participate in technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR) as a junior ...

SAIC

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Work with flight software, ground software, hardware engineering, and cybersecurity teams to support system integration. * Participate in technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR) as a junior ...

SAIC

Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$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 ...

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Flight Software Engineer information

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$35

$53

$74

How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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 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 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
Infographic showing various Flight Software Engineer job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,753 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Sterling, VA • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Northrop Grumman Corporationexternal

$130K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Develop embedded software modules that interact with hardware protocols and interfaces.

  • Work with other disciplines to establish flight-software requirements, testing, and verification plans.

  • Develop and configure board support packages (BSPs) and integrate device drivers.

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
We have an opening for an Embedded Software Engineer Level 3 or 4 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization developing space flight software platforms for National Space Security programs. The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented. This position will be in Dulles, VA. This work does require a TS/SCI clearance and will primarily be performed in a SCIF environment.
In this role you will:
  • Develop embedded software modules that can interact directly with hardware protocols and interfaces including UART, Synchronous Serial, MIL-STD-1553, SPACEWIRE, SPI, discrete digital and analog IO.
  • Work with other disciplines to establish Flight-Software requirements, testing and verification plan.
  • Develop and configure board support packages (BSPs) and integrate device drivers.
  • Performs trade studies via computer simulation or kits & development boards.
  • Work with multiple engineers to integrate spacecraft components and flight software with the simulation platform.
  • Be involved in the hardware definition and software design, development, debug and integration on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.
  • Analyze system resources to enhance efficiency, stability, and processing speed.
  • Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
  • Work with software developers and other engineers, as needed, to help diagnose and identify the root cause of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance test, and operational events.
  • Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
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 as a Principal (level 3) or Sr Principal (level 4) depending on experience and qualifications
Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field with 5 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field with 3 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)[TS/SCI] at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval/access within a reasonable amount of time [US citizenship required]
  • Advanced programming proficiency with: C/C++, Python.
  • Advanced programming proficiency with Matlab.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work in small teams.
  • Ability to debug hardware and software.
  • Ability to use software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git.
  • Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management.

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field with 8 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field with 6 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field with 4 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)[TS/SCI] at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval/access within a reasonable amount of time [US citizenship required]
  • Advanced programming proficiency with: C/C++, Python.
  • Advanced programming proficiency with Matlab.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work in small teams.
  • Ability to debug hardware and software.
  • Ability to use software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git.
  • Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with SAP
  • System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness and Visualization
  • Familiarity with static code analysis tools such as: Coverity, SonarQube, and Fortify.
  • Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience
  • Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices
  • Ability to integrate Flight-Software using simulation models of sensors, actuators and space environments to demonstrate closed-loop spacecraft system performance, general integration and test of aerospace systems.
  • Understanding of Jenkins, Jira (Agile, Scrum and Kanban), Bitbucket and related DevSecOps tools.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management
  • Experience developing software in a Linux OS environment
  • Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards.
  • Ability to read schematics, and work with components datasheets.
  • Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire electrical interfaces

#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSoftwareJobs
#SpaceGNCJobs
#NoVASpace
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The 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

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