About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense and Space Manufacturing.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

This embedded software role supports mission-critical space systems development for a confidential client in the Defense and Space Manufacturing industry. You'll join an engineering team developing flight software and integration for spacecraft platforms and simulation/hardware-in-the-loop systems.

• Develop embedded software modules and work with data protocols such as UART, synchronous serial (RS-422), SPI, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire, and digital/analog I/O.
• Collaborate with cross-discipline engineers to establish flight software requirements, testing, and verification plans.
• Perform trade studies using simulations and development boards; support design, debug, and integration activities.
• Integrate spacecraft components and flight software with simulation platforms and hardware-in-the-loop testbeds.
• Analyze system resources to improve efficiency, stability, and processing performance.
• Prepare technical design documentation, analysis, test results, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Diagnose root causes for issues discovered during software installation, integration, acceptance testing, and operations.
• Contribute in a collaborative, innovative environment across diverse assignments.
• Other duties as assigned.

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Work Environment & Clearance

• This position is 100% onsite in Dulles, VA (no telecommute). The role follows a 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off).
• Travel: approximately 10% of the time.
• Clearance: Final employment is contingent on obtaining required program clearances and access(es). US citizenship is required.

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Qualifications

Basic Qualifications — Level 1

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Aerospace, Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering) with 0 years of relevant professional experience — OR — Master’s degree.
• US citizenship required.
• Advanced programming proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
• Familiarity with embedded system tools, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and avionics integration & test practices.
• Understanding of core affinity/parallel processing and differences between concurrent vs. parallel processing.
• Demonstrable programming experience on Linux.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Basic Qualifications — Level 2

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 2 years of relevant professional experience — OR — Master’s degree.
• US citizenship required.
• Advanced programming proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
• Familiarity with embedded system tools, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and avionics integration & test practices.
• Core affinity/parallel processing experience and understanding of concurrent vs. parallel processing.
• Demonstrable programming experience on Linux.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Top Secret / SCI clearance (preferred).
• System knowledge in domains such as Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness, or Visualization.
• Experience with digital/analog interfaces, RS-422 synchronous serial, UART, MIL-STD-1553, and SpaceWire electrical interfaces.
• GPA of 3.5 or above.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Associate range: $76,200 - $114,400 per year.
• Engineer range: $91,800 - $137,600 per year.
• Primary Level Salary Range (combined guideline): $76,200 - $137,600 per year.
• Compensation may also include overtime, shift differential, discretionary or annual bonuses, and eligibility for long-term incentives at higher levels.
• Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid holidays, and paid time off. Exact benefits vary by role and location.

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Location & Eligibility

• Job location: Dulles, VA — this role is onsite and requires US citizenship due to clearance and program requirements.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to obtain the necessary security clearance for the role.

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Why Join

• Work on spaceflight software that supports national and global security.
• Join a multi-disciplinary team building systems used in operational space programs.
• Opportunities for technical growth and cross-functional collaboration in an innovative environment.

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Hiring Notes & Legal Compliance

Careertakes and our client are committed to complying with applicable US hiring laws for positions listed in the United States. The job description and posted salary ranges are provided in accordance with pay transparency where applicable. No protected-class criteria are used to exclude candidates; applicants will be evaluated based on job-related qualifications, experience, and the ability to meet clearance and citizenship requirements.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.