Flight Software Engineer - Write the Software That Moves a Satellite and Points Its LaserSan Francisco, CA | Hybrid or Remote with Travel
Opportunity SummaryJoin a newly funded space and defense startup building the first spacecraft to carry a high-energy laser into orbit. As a Flight Software Engineer, you will build the software that operates the spacecraft and its laser payload, taking it from the test bench through launch and on-orbit operations.
You will help define the flight software architecture from day one, likely on an open-source flight framework such as F Prime, and work closely with GNC and electrical engineers every day. We care more about what you have shipped on a fast-moving program than which language you shipped it in. San Francisco is preferred, and strong candidates in Los Angeles, Denver, or Seattle who can travel regularly are welcome.
Job Duties- Architect and build flight software for the spacecraft and laser payload, likely on F Prime or NASA cFS.
- Implement vehicle modes, mission sequencing, onboard scheduling, and command and telemetry handling.
- Integrate attitude control, GNC, and targeting algorithms into a deterministic real-time framework.
- Write device drivers for star trackers, IMUs, reaction wheels, radios, power systems, and payload electronics.
- Build laser payload control software, including safety interlocks and fault protection.
- Design fault detection, isolation, and recovery logic, safe modes, and watchdogs.
- Own the command and telemetry database and its interfaces with ground software.
- Build and maintain software-in-the-loop, flatsat, and hardware-in-the-loop test environments.
- Support integration, environmental testing, launch, and on-orbit operations, including anomaly resolution.
- Partner with GNC and electrical engineers on interfaces, timing, and hardware bring-up.
- Set coding standards, run code reviews, and document architecture and interfaces.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of flight or embedded software experience.
- Ownership of flight software on a development program that reached flight testing or orbit.
- Strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, or Rust.
- Experience with an RTOS or embedded Linux.
- Hands-on experience with SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, RS-422, and Ethernet interfaces.
- Comfort debugging across software and hardware on a small team with large ownership.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident, willing to obtain a security clearance.
Preferred Experience- F Prime or NASA cFS.
- Spacecraft attitude determination and control (ADCS) software.
- Electrical engineering background or hands-on avionics work.
- Early flight software hire at a small spacecraft or launch startup.
- Launch campaign, mission operations, or on-orbit anomaly response.
- CCSDS protocols and space-to-ground communication links.
Why Join Us- Write the software for the first high-energy laser to operate in space.
- Location flexibility, with hybrid or remote-with-travel options.
- No-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, with subsidized family coverage.
- Meaningful early-stage equity.
- Work alongside founders who have designed, built, and launched complex space hardware.
- Relocation support if company locations evolve as we grow.
Compensation Details$180,000 - $250,000 + equity
