Autonomy Software Engineer - SD - Laurel

York Space Systems

$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
  • 4+ years of software engineering experience focused on embedded software development
  • Proficiency in C/C++
  • Experience working in embedded Linux environments
  • Familiarity with modern messaging frameworks and API technologies
  • Experience with Git in a collaborative environment
  • Ability to mentor engineers and ensure code quality
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop embedded flight software in C/C++ for spacecraft systems
  • Translate designs into maintainable software that meets standards
  • Build reusable code for shared libraries and services
  • Construct state machine models for autonomous workflows
  • Engineer algorithms to promote scalability and automation
  • Contribute to software architecture and interface definitions
  • Support on-orbit operations and debugging tasks
  • Develop unit and integration tests against simulation tools
  • Participate in agile ceremonies, including sprint planning and retrospectives

Benefits

  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Generous 401(k) match
Full Job Description
We are looking for talented, cross-domain software engineers to join a small, empowered strategic development team focused on rapid prototyping and advanced development across York's software portfolio. This team operates ahead of program need proving out new capabilities, de-risking emerging technology, and maturing prototypes to the point where they can transition into production programs. Scope spans across York software: Full stack web development, onboard embedded and real-time software, ground and cloud applications and tooling, and autonomy and machine learning.

We are looking for an Autonomy Software Engineer who is passionate about pushing the boundaries of modern technology to advance space vehicle onboard autonomy.

Not all skills below are required, we encourage you to apply if you have an interest in learning!

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop embedded flight software in C/C++ for spacecraft systems
  • Translate designs and requirements into high-quality, maintainable software that meets both functional and visual standards
  • Build reusable code for components, shared libraries, and scalable services for use across the platform
  • Construct state machine models for autonomous mission workflows
  • Engineer algorithms and business logic to promote scalability and automation
  • Contribute to software architecture, requirements, and interface definitions
  • Support on-orbit operations, debugging, and anomaly resolution
  • Develop unit tests and documentation for internal users and customers
  • Develop integration tests against simulation tools to validate behavior against realistic mission scenarios
  • Participate in agile ceremonies including sprint planning, standups, and retrospectives
  • Other duties as assigned


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
  • 4+ years of software engineering experience with a strong focus on embedded software development
  • Proficiency in C/C++
  • Experience working in embedded Linux environments
  • Experience with modern messaging frameworks and API technologies used in distributed systems
  • Experience with Git in a collaborative, multi-contributor environment
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and drive code quality through reviews and design discussions
  • Proven ability to collaborate across engineering, design, and operational stakeholders
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous requirements independently and drive to resolution
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presenting technical concepts to non-technical audiences
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
  • Active security clearance or ability to obtain one
  • Willingness to work full-time in our Laurel, MD office; this position does not support remote or hybrid work.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience identifying mission states, mapping rules between states, and proving which states are symmetric or unreachable
  • Experience with embedded Linux systems (drivers, networking, system-level debugging)
  • Experience with spacecraft, aerospace, or safety-critical systems
  • Experience with container-based installation and deployment strategies, including Docker and CI/CD pipeline integration
  • Experience supporting on-orbit operations or live systems
  • Familiar with vehicle simulation tools and methodologies, including modeling spacecraft dynamics, guidance and control behaviors, and mission-specific scenarios


In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance.

Benefits

  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (subject to spousal surcharge).
  • Company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time.
  • Unlimited PTO.
  • Generous 401(k) match.


How To Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking the "Apply" link at the top of the page. York Space Systems will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is closed.

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