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Flight Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level II, Sr., or Staff level Embedded Software Engineer to participate in the development and testing of flight software for an autonomous ...

We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer to support NASA's SR-1 Freedom vehicle. Your support of this effort will occur throughout the software development life cycle from software systems ...

San Carlos, CA or Kent, WA (on-site) The Role We're looking for a Senior Flight Software Engineer to own the software that flies on our spacecraft. You'll be responsible for the payload flight ...

We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer to support NASA's SR-1 Freedom vehicle. Your support of this effort will occur throughout the software development life cycle from software systems ...

We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer to support NASA's SR-1 Freedom vehicle. Your support of this effort will occur throughout the software development life cycle from software systems ...

Flight Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $160K/yr

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is excited to develop software that is used to control and fly our products. You will have the ...

Software Engineer, Flight Software

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$156K - $186K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Flight Software Engineer to join our satellite flight software team. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated versatile software developer with significant previous ...

As a Flight Software Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of the software that powers our Space Vehicles. You will work closely with avionics ...

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, test, and maintain the software that controls Space Kinetic's spacecraft. You will work across the full software lifecycle and collaborate with ...

Flight Software Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $280K/yr

Description As a Flight Software Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of the software that powers our Space Vehicles. You will work closely with ...

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, test, and maintain the software that controls Space Kinetic's spacecraft. You will work across the full software lifecycle and collaborate with ...

We are seeking Flight Software Engineers to help create next generation commercial space capabilities. Working alongside our commercial spaceflight partners, you will develop software for emerging ...

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, test, and maintain the software that controls Space Kinetic's spacecraft. You will work across the full software lifecycle and collaborate with ...

We are seeking Flight Software Engineers to help create next generation commercial space capabilities. Working alongside our commercial spaceflight partners, you will develop software for emerging ...

Flight Software Engineer

Louisville, CO ยท On-site

$130K - $280K/yr

Description As a Flight Software Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of the software that powers our Space Vehicles. You will work closely with ...

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Flight Software Engineer information

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How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight software engineer in the United States is $53.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.95 and $58.89 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.

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Infographic showing various Flight Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,711 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Flight Software Engineer

Mojave, CA โ€ข Hybrid

Stratolaunch
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturingย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level II, Sr., or Staff level Embedded Software Engineer to participate in the development and testing of flight software for an autonomous, air-launched, hypersonic test vehicle.ย  You will contribute to multiple phases of the software development lifecycle and collaborate with other personnel throughout system development, ground test, and flight test. You will integrate the vehicle management system application code in addition to the development of subsystem management code.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop and test new flight software in support of advanced rocket-powered air-launch vehicle systems
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to understand challenges and develop software requirements and solutions
  • Support flight software architecture development, both concept and implementation
  • Develop software components to interface with and control vehicle sensors and effectors
  • Develop and execute automated software test processes in support of software verification and validation
  • Support various lab/bench hardware tests with custom software
  • Contribute to hardware integration with the development of interface documents
  • Support integration of the air-launch vehicle systems with the carrier aircraft
  • Perform design and/or analysis to support component development
  • Provide technical guidance for projects within the larger program
  • Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments
  • Travel, as needed, to support the department

ย 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

  • Must demonstrate the ability to perform the Essential Responsibilities
  • Experience with real-time embedded software development
  • Experience with serial communications, software test, and computer networking
  • Communication standards and protocols e.g. RS422, UDP/TCP
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
  • Ability to work on your own initiative, prioritize tasking, and coordinate with VMS lead to accomplish VMS goals
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

  • C++ 2014 and Python programming languages
  • Real-time operating systems (VxWorks, FreeRTOS, Linux, etc.)
  • Proficient in version control tools (Git, Bitbucket, etc.)
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

ย 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Flight computer and/or vehicle management computer software development, test, and integration
  • Agile Software Development methodologies
  • Safety-critical system design standards
  • Hardware in the loop simulation and testing
  • Experience with Linux operating systems
  • Digital and analog circuit design
  • TS/SCI security clearance

ย 

Preferred Computer Skills:

  • Familiarity with configuration management systems - Jira, Bitbucket
  • Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink
  • Familiarity with LabVIEW
  • Familiarity with Python
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • Level II ($101,000-$146,500): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Sr Level ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Staff Level ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • Position based in Mojave, CA. Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on-site work) work location arrangements.
  • Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <5%