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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Flight Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$105K - $155K/yr

Overview Flight Software Engineer LOCATION: Hybrid (Kirtland AFB, NM), Remote U.S. eligible JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: U.S. Citizenship, DoD Secret Clearance TRAVEL: 10% (if remote)   Astrion ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... Develop models and simulations for flight-like vehicle software testing, network performance ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Flight Software Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

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How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight software engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $55.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.35 and $60.67 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.
What job categories do people searching Flight Software Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Software Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

Flight Software Engineer

Astrion

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$105K - $155K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview

Flight Software Engineer

LOCATION: Hybrid (Kirtland AFB, NM), Remote U.S. eligible

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: U.S. Citizenship, DoD Secret Clearance

TRAVEL: 10% (if remote)

Astrion is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to support small satellite flight software development for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland Air Force Base.

This engineer will contribute to the design, development, and testing of satellite bus software supporting experimental and research missions. The role is ideal for a mid- to senior-level software engineer with experience developing embedded or flight software for spacecraft or other real-time systems.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Education:

Bachelor of Science in one of the following or a related technical field:

  • Software Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering

Experience:

  • Minimum 5+ years of professional software development experience
  • Experience developing embedded or flight software in C or C++
  • Experience with satellite bus or payload software development
  • Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and interfaces (power, communications, command and data handling, ADCS, etc.)
  • Experience working with real-time operating systems
  • Experience with hardware/software integration or low-level driver development
  • Experience with scripting languages such as Python, Perl, or similar

Core Competencies:

  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
  • Ability to produce secure, maintainable, high-quality code
  • Comfortable working in small, agile engineering teams
  • Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Self-directed and adaptable in a research and development environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Experience with the VxWorks real-time operating system
  • Experience with other embedded real-time systems such as RTEMS
  • Master’s degree in a relevant technical field

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded flight software for small satellite bus systems
  • Execute tasking from the satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) lead
  • Coordinate with other flight software engineers and subsystem teams
  • Implement best practices for code quality, maintainability, and cybersecurity
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including interface specifications and user guides
  • Participate in unit testing, code reviews, and system validation