Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
5+ years of flight or embedded software experience.
Proven ownership of flight software reaching testing or orbit.
Strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, or Rust.
Experience with RTOS or embedded Linux environments.
Hands-on experience with various communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, etc.).
U.S. citizen or permanent resident, willing to obtain a security clearance.
Responsibilities
Architect and build flight software for spacecraft and laser payload.
Implement vehicle modes, mission sequencing, and telemetry handling.
Integrate GNC and targeting algorithms into a real-time framework.
Write device drivers for various spacecraft components.
Develop laser payload control software with safety interlocks.
Design fault detection and recovery logic.
Manage the command and telemetry database and its interfaces.
Support integration, testing, and on-orbit operations.
Benefits
Write software for the first high-energy laser in space.
Flexible work location with hybrid or remote options.
Comprehensive no-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees.
Meaningful early-stage equity opportunities.
Collaborate with experienced founders in space hardware.
Relocation support as the company grows.
Full Job Description
Flight Software Engineer - Write the Software That Moves a Satellite and Points Its Laser
San Francisco, CA | Hybrid or Remote with Travel
Opportunity Summary
Join 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.
