Configurable On-Board Router (COR) Team - Software Engineer (AHT)
The Software Engineer role at Confidential Client involves developing and testing embedded flight software for military satellite communications payloads. The position requires collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to troubleshoot, integrate, and support operational systems onsite, ensuring mission-critical software reliability and performance.
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.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client’s Space Sector is seeking a Software Engineer (Level 1 or 2) to support the Configurable On-Board Router (COR) team for an operational Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) payload system. This is an onsite role in Manhattan Beach, CA.
- Develop payload flight software, test scripts, and data-processing tools using C/C++ and high-level interpreted languages as needed.
- Build and run integration and system-level tests to investigate operational anomalies, determine root cause, and implement solutions.
- Troubleshoot software across multiple platforms (ARM, PowerPC, Windows, Solaris/Red Hat Enterprise Linux, VxWorks).
- Develop and maintain test frameworks for software simulation and hardware testbeds.
- Work closely with systems engineers, cross-functional software teams, and customer sites to support operational readiness.
- Provide on-call support for operational anomalies and investigations when needed.
- Collaborate within an Agile/Scrum environment and participate in design reviews and continuous improvement activities.
Minimum Qualifications
Note: This requisition may be filled at Level 1 (Associate) or Level 2 (Software Engineer) based on experience.
Basic Qualifications — Associate Software Engineer (Level 1)
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 0 years of experience.
- Proficiency in C++ and object-oriented programming principles, demonstrated on production or large-scale laboratory codebases.
- Experience developing software on Unix/Linux.
- Experience with embedded software development and test; familiarity with SW/HW integration testing.
- Active U.S. Government Secret clearance required at the time of application.
Basic Qualifications — Software Engineer (Level 2)
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 2+ years of relevant software engineering experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 0 years of experience.
- Proficiency in C++ and object-oriented programming principles, demonstrated on production or large-scale laboratory codebases.
- Experience developing software on Unix/Linux.
- Experience with embedded software development and test; familiarity with SW/HW integration testing.
- Active U.S. Government Secret clearance required at the time of application.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Python, Perl, Unix shell scripting or VBA for automation and data analysis.
- Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development processes.
- Experience analyzing large operational/system-level datasets and writing repeatable test automation.
Location & Clearance
- Worksite: Manhattan Beach, CA — this is an onsite, full-time position.
- U.S. Citizenship is required for positions requiring a government clearance.
- Active U.S. Government Secret clearance required at time of application.
- Travel: approximately 10% (program-dependent).
- Relocation assistance may be available.
Compensation & Benefits
- Primary Level Salary Range (Level 1): $76,200 - $114,400 per year.
- Secondary Level Salary Range (Level 2): $91,800 - $137,600 per year. The listed ranges represent general guidelines. Final base salary offers are determined by the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.
Benefits may include health insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement/savings plans, paid time off, paid holidays, discretionary and/or annual bonus programs, and other program-specific benefits.
Why Join
- Work on mission-critical MILSATCOM payload software that supports national defense capabilities.
- Join a multi-disciplinary engineering organization with opportunities for career growth into technical or leadership roles.
- Collaborate across programs, share best practices, and advance your technical skills in embedded and systems software.
Legal & Hiring Notes
- Confidential Client and Careertakes comply with all applicable U.S. federal, state, and local hiring laws.
- This position is posted for Manhattan Beach, CA and includes the salary information required by local pay-transparency laws.
- U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance are required for roles involving government classified information.
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.
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