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Nasa Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The cFS Software Developer (Senior) will support the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Core Flight System (cFS) Project by providing sustaining engineering and software development support for ...

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Demonstrated knowledge of and experience applying NPR 7150.2, NASA Software Engineering Requirements. * Familiarity with NASA-STD-8739.8, Software Assurance and Software Safety Standard. * Experience ...

Demonstrated knowledge of and experience applying NPR 7150.2, NASA Software Engineering Requirements. * Familiarity with NASA-STD-8739.8, Software Assurance and Software Safety Standard. * Experience ...

As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States. We have an exciting opportunity for a Mission Design Tools Software Engineer to join ...

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Position Information Position Title Software Engineer Status Full Time Job Summary NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center is seeking a talented and driven Software Engineer to support cutting-edge ...

As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States. We have an exciting opportunity for a Simulation Software Engineer to join the JETSII ...

Perform various Systems / Software Engineering activities on NASA Spacecraft, Launch Vehicle, and/or Mission Ground systems throughout the NASA software development lifecycle phases. Analyses are ...

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NASA Software Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do nasa software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for nasa software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a NASA Software Engineer do?

A NASA Software Engineer develops and maintains software used for space missions, scientific research, and aerospace technology. They design, code, test, and debug software for spacecraft, rovers, satellites, and mission control systems. Their work ensures that NASA's technology operates reliably in extreme environments. They collaborate with scientists, engineers, and researchers to solve complex technical challenges.

Is it hard to get hired at NASA?

Getting hired as a NASA software engineer is competitive due to the organization's high standards and specialized skills required, such as proficiency in programming languages like C++ and Python, and experience with aerospace systems. Candidates typically need a strong educational background in engineering or computer science, relevant work experience, and security clearances. The hiring process involves multiple interviews and assessments, making it a challenging but attainable goal for qualified applicants.

Can I work at NASA as a software engineer?

NASA employs software engineers to develop and maintain software for space missions, research, and operations. Candidates typically need a degree in computer science or related fields, experience with programming languages like C++ or Python, and security clearances may be required. Job opportunities are available through federal hiring processes and often require U.S. citizenship.

What are some common projects or tasks a NASA Software Engineer might work on?

As a NASA Software Engineer, you could be involved in developing flight software for spacecraft, creating data analysis tools for scientific missions, or building simulation systems to test mission scenarios. Daily tasks often include coding, debugging, performing rigorous testing, and working closely with scientists, systems engineers, and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration. Projects vary widely but commonly require a mix of independent technical work and collaborative problem-solving. Many engineers have opportunities to participate in high-profile missions, and the role often offers pathways to take on more responsibility or specialize further, depending on your career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Nasa Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NASA Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, or Java, and typically a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. Experience with specialized tools such as real-time operating systems, simulation environments, and version control systems (e.g., Git) is often required, along with familiarity with NASA software standards and certifications. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you navigate complex, multidisciplinary projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe, reliable, and innovative development of mission-critical aerospace software.

How much does NASA pay a software engineer?

NASA software engineers are typically paid according to the federal government's General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to over $130,000 annually depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized engineers with advanced skills in programming languages and systems may earn higher salaries within this range.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or petroleum engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.
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What cities are hiring for Nasa Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Nasa Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nasa Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Nasa Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Nasa Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Nasa Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nasa Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
CFS SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

CFS SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

MCSG Technologies

Greenbelt, MD • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

JOB SUMMARY: The cFS Software Developer (Senior) will support the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Core Flight System (cFS) Project by providing sustaining engineering and software development support for reusable flight software components utilized by NASA and other government agencies. The cFS Project delivers mission-enabling, cost-reducing, and risk-reducing flight software solutions that support current and future spaceflight missions while reinforcing GSFC's leadership in flight software technology.

The Software Developer will work closely with the cFS Product Development Lead (PDL) within the Flight Software Systems Branch as a member of the cFS Flight Software (FSW) development team. The position includes supporting multiple cFS customers by developing, maintaining, integrating, testing, and documenting reusable flight software components in accordance with NASA software engineering standards. Location: Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD. This position will be a hybrid role with on-site work as required.

PRIMARY DUTIES

Flight Software Development

  • Develop, maintain, and sustain reusable Core Flight System (cFS) software components.
  • Perform software requirements analysis, architecture definition, software design, coding, unit testing, integration testing, and formal build testing.
  • Support software development activities throughout the complete software development lifecycle.
  • Develop flight-ready software solutions supporting NASA missions and other government agencies.

Software Engineering & Integration

  • Collaborate with the cFS Product Development Lead (PDL) and Flight Software Systems Branch engineering team.
  • Support integration of cFS software components into customer flight software environments.
  • Participate in software builds, code reviews, peer reviews, technical demonstrations, and design reviews.
  • Assist with sustaining engineering activities including maintenance, enhancements, defect resolution, and software updates.

Customer & Technical Support

  • Provide software engineering support to identified cFS customers.
  • Participate in technical meetings, demonstrations, presentations, and customer reviews.
  • Support issue investigation, troubleshooting, and implementation of corrective actions.
  • Assist customers with software integration and implementation activities.

Software Quality & DevOps

  • Develop and execute unit and integration tests.
  • Support Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) processes and automated build environments.
  • Utilize configuration management and version control tools throughout software development.
  • Produce and maintain software documentation in accordance with NASA software engineering processes.

Laboratory & Development Environment Support

  • Support flight software laboratory configuration and hardware integration activities.
  • Assist with hardware maintenance and development environment setup.
  • Support development and testing on embedded hardware platforms and real-time operating systems.
 

Reporting Requirements 

  • Provide regular status updates on assigned software development tasks.
  • Document software design, implementation, testing, and technical progress.
  • Participate in technical reviews and provide engineering presentations as requested.
  • Maintain project documentation consistent with NASA software engineering processes
 

REQUIREMENTS

Technical Skills

  • Experience with software development lifecycle (SDLC) processes.
  • Strong software development experience using C, C++, and Python.
  • Experience developing embedded software applications.
  • Experience developing flight software or other safety/mission-critical software.
  • Experience with Linux development environments.
  • Working knowledge of Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
  • Experience using Git for source code management.
  • Experience with Continuous Integration (CI/CD) methodologies.
  • Experience with Docker container technologies.
  • Experience with OpenC3 COSMOS or similar mission operations tools is preferred.
  • Experience defining and implementing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) is preferred.
  • Knowledge of systems engineering processes is desirable.
  • Familiarity with cybersecurity policies and secure software development best practices is preferred.
  • Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), or data architecture technologies is desirable.
  • Experience implementing Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR), GEONS, or other estimation/filtering algorithms is desirable.
  • Knowledge of embedded hardware architectures including Xilinx, Zynq, or PicoZed platforms is desirable.
  • Experience with VxWorks and/or RTEMS is preferred.

Leadership & Collaboration

  • Experience serving as a Software Development Team Lead, Software Lead, or Software Sustaining Engineering Lead is highly desirable.
  • Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to interact effectively with NASA personnel, government customers, and contractor teams.
  • Ability to support multiple development efforts and customer requests simultaneously.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Experience supporting NASA, DoD, aerospace, or other government software development programs.
  • Experience with reusable flight software frameworks and mission software architectures.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: 7 years of professional experience developing embedded or flight software systems.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to pass NASA badging and onboarding requirements in accordance with applicable federal security policies.

ABOUT US: At MCSG Technologies, we believe the path to success begins by empowering our employees to do what is best for our customers. This helps create value for our customers and business partners through efficiencies and cost-effective relationships that are built on trust, while delivering on-time and within budget. Our company ethos is simple Empowered to serve our customers, our communities, our colleagues. If you would like to learn more, please visit our website at www.mcsgtech.com or find us on Glassdoor.

BENEFITS OFFERED: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, parental leave, paid time off, holidays and more. Learn more about MCSG Technologies benefits: https://www.mcsgtech.com/benefits/.

COLORADO'S EQUAL PAY ACT: In compliance with Colorados Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; MCSG Technologies considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

EOE STATEMENT: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractors legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)