Strategic Software Development Engineer

York Space Systems

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

Qualifications

  • BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 3+ years experience in software engineering or a similar application.
  • Experience in developing aerospace software from prototype to production.
  • Expertise in at least one of embedded/real-time, full stack, or autonomy/ML with willingness to work across domains.
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python, C#, and Linux; familiarity with Rust and various modern stacks is a plus.
  • Comfort with ambiguity and a focus on creating working software over process adherence.
  • Active Secret clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

Responsibilities

  • Prototype and develop software across embedded systems, full stack applications, and autonomy.
  • Transition ideas from concept to working demonstrations and ultimately to production-ready stages.
  • Select appropriate tools, frameworks, and architectures, while staying open to learning new ones.
  • Collaborate with program and engineering teams to integrate prototypes into existing production workflows.
  • Contribute to a culture of clean coding and documentation for broader team adoption.
  • Investigate and apply emerging technologies like autonomy and machine learning to real mission needs.
  • Own project outcomes in a streamlined team environment with minimal bureaucracy.

Benefits

  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (with spousal surcharge).
  • Includes company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time.
  • Unlimited paid time off (PTO).
  • Generous 401(k) matching program.
Full Job Description
York is seeking a 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. This is a role for engineers who don't want to be boxed into a single layer. In a given quarter you might write real-time embedded code, build a full stack tool to visualize its output, and stand up an autonomy or ML component that ties them together, and then push it to simulation and ultimately space. We care about range, judgment, and the ability to reach a working demonstration more than years on any one stack. You'll own problems end to end, help pick the right tools, and hand mature prototypes off to the programs that will fly it. Responsibilities - Prototype and build software across embedded, full stack, and autonomy to prove out new capabilities quickly - Take problems from concept to working demonstration, then to production-ready handoffs as they mature - Pick the right tools, framework, and architecture for the job - and learn new ones as needed - Partner with program and engineering teams to transition proven prototypes into York's production programs - Contribute to the team's lightweight engineering practices; write code and documentation clean enough for others to adopt - Explore emerging technology - autonomy, ML, modern tooling - and turn it into something that addresses a real mission need - Ship demonstrations and take direct ownership of your work in a small team with minimal overhead Qualifications - BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field; advanced degree is a plus - 3+ years in software engineering or software related application - Proven track record developing and delivering aerospace software, and taking prototypes through to production - Cross-domain range: depth in at least one of embedded/real-time, full stack, or autonomy/ML - and the ability and appetite to work across the others - Proficiency with C/C++, Python, C#, and Linux; experience with Rust, modern other web/cloud stacks, ROS 2, cFS, or ML frameworks a plus - A bias toward working software and demonstrations over process; comfort with ambiguity and self-direction - Fast learner who picks up unfamiliar stacks, domains, and problem spaces quickly - Aerospace, robotics, or other real-time or safety-relevant experience a plus, but not required - Active Secret clearance, or eligibility and willingness to obtain one - Willingness to work full-time in our Austin, TX office; this position does not support remote or hybrid work. 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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