Flight Software EngineerDepartment: Software
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Compensation: $120,000 - $180,000 / year
DescriptionAs 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 engineers, GNC engineers, propulsion engineers, and other cross-disciplinary teams to deliver high-reliability, high-performance software for in-space transportation.
Responsibilities- Contribute to the design, implementation, integration, and verification of software for:
- Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms
- Command and telemetry handling
- Mission sequencing, autonomy, and fault management
- Closed-loop control of propulsion, attitude control, and other time-critical systems
- Implement features for Impulse's real-time flight software framework to meet deterministic performance requirements in space environments.
- Develop detection and mitigation algorithms for anomalies such as sensor failures, actuator malfunctions, or radiation-induced faults.
- Direct and participate in code reviews, ensuring compliance with software safety, reliability, and maintainability standards.
- Support mission operations and troubleshoot real-time issues during ground integration, environmental testing, and on-orbit operations.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related degrees
- 4+ years writing C/C++ code for an embedded system or vehicle of some kind (robot, car, drone, spacecraft, etc)
- Demonstrated understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, data structures, and computer networking
- Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux
- Experience using version control, test cases, and other software best practices
Preferred Skills and Experience- Proven track record delivering flight software for spacecraft- including launch vehicles, OTVs, upper stages, or other in-space propulsion systems.
- Familiarity with NASA cFS, ROS2, or custom middleware for space applications.
- Expertise in designing software for deterministic timing and hard real-time constraints.
- Participation in successful integration, testing, launch, and mission operations of a space vehicle.
Additional Information:Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the
form of stock options, and access to
medical, vision & dental coverage as well as
access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
