Flight Software Engineer
The Flight Software Engineer at Confidential Client is responsible for designing, developing, and testing flight software applications that command and control satellites, including command and data handling, power, communications, and guidance systems. This role involves working in a small agile team to build embedded Linux applications, develop telemetry and instrumentation for testing, and support satellite operations, with opportunities for engineers from diverse backgrounds including robotics and automotive to contribute to rapid spacecraft development.
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, Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
As a Flight Software Engineer supporting a Confidential Client, you will design, implement, and test flight software that commands and controls small satellite systems. You’ll work on Linux-based flight applications, build telemetry and instrumentation for lab testing, and help verify and validate software on prototype flatsat hardware that simulates on-orbit operation.
- Contribute to design and development of Command & Data Handling, Communications, Power, and GNC flight software as Linux applications
- Implement embedded code and device drivers that interact with hardware via CAN, I2C, SPI, RS-422, RS-485, and similar protocols
- Build inter-application coordination using standard Linux IPC mechanisms and services
- Create automated unit, integration, and system test software and tooling
- Develop telemetry, data-capture, and instrumentation to support verification and validation on flatsat and hardware-in-the-loop setups
- Participate in requirements definition, design reviews, code reviews, and the full software development lifecycle in an agile environment
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Payload, and Systems teams to meet operational needs and constraints
Minimum Qualifications
- Proficiency in at least one systems programming language: C, C++, or Rust (demonstrated via work experience, projects, or open-source contributions)
- Willingness to work in Rust and to adopt it where appropriate
- Solid familiarity with Linux and operating system principles
- Experience or strong interest in building software that interacts with hardware devices
- Understanding of the software development lifecycle and experience writing automated tests
- Familiarity with Git and basic CI/CD concepts
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Software, Computer, Electrical, Aerospace engineering, or equivalent practical experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Several years of professional software engineering experience
- Advanced Rust experience and modern systems-programming practices
- Network and socket programming experience for telemetry/command interfaces
- Experience with IPC mechanisms, Protocol Buffers, ZeroMQ, gRPC, or systemd-based service designs
- Experience with embedded Linux distributions and Yocto/OpenEmbedded
- Background with SmallSats / CubeSats or adjacent domains (robotics, drones, automotive)
- Experience in hardware-in-the-loop integration and automated test frameworks
ITAR & Eligibility
To comply with U.S. export control regulations (ITAR), applicants must be one of the following:
- A U.S. citizen or national, or
- A lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or
- A refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or
- An asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158.
Individuals who do not meet these criteria must be eligible to obtain necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Applicants are encouraged to review ITAR guidance and confirm eligibility before applying.
Location & Employment Type
- Location: Chantilly, VA
- Employment type: Full-time
- This role involves hands-on lab work with prototype hardware; candidates must be able to work on-site as required.
Culture & Team
You’ll join a small, fast-moving engineering team where ownership, rapid iteration, and practical problem solving are core values. Exceptional new graduates and experienced engineers are encouraged to apply — title, scope, and compensation scale with experience. If you’ve built embedded, autonomy, or systems software in adjacent domains and are eager to learn a new domain, this role is a strong match.
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.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range