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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer - **Company:** The Space Inc. - **Location:** El Segundo, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $170,000.0 - $240,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Communications Protocols, Computer Programming, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Dynamical Systems, Linux on Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Design, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Rapid Prototyping Process, Real-Time Operating Systems, Signal Processing, Software Engineering, Software Systems, System Software, Real Time Systems, Safety Critical Systems, System-level Testing, Integration Tests, Information Technology - **Published:** July 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/02c13324-d5f2-4204-bacf-a562e858eb33 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field OR Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field * 5+ years of experience in embedded software, controls software, or real-time systems development * Strong understanding of real-time software architecture and deterministic system behavior * Experience with motor controls, actuator systems, or embedded control loops * Experience working with MATLAB/Simulink and translating models into deployable software * Strong programming experience in C/C++ and Python * Experience supporting integration and testing of hardware/software systems * Experince working with space systems, * PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth. * Aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems background * Experience with HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) simulation and testing * Familiarity with GNC algorithms and controls development workflows * Experience supporting high-speed dynamic systems or safety-critical systems * Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, FPGA interfaces, or low-level hardware communication protocols * Startup or rapid-prototyping experience preferred * Real-time embedded systems * Control loop implementation * Motor controllers and actuator interfaces * Sensor integration and signal processing * Simulation and modeling workflows * System debugging and integration testing * Cross-functional engineering collaboration ## Description We are seeking a Senior Real-Time / Controls Software Engineer to lead development of deterministic real-time control software supporting high-speed electromechanical aerospace systems. This role will own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, safety interlocks, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration for critical system functions. The ideal candidate understands both controls theory and low-level real-time software implementation and can translate GNC, MATLAB/Simulink, and Python-based models into reliable embedded flight-like control software operating in a fast-paced hardware development environment., * Develop deterministic real-time control software for electromechanical aerospace systems * Own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, and safety interlock architecture * Translate MATLAB/Simulink and Python-based control models into production-quality real-time software * Support development and integration of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) related algorithms * Design and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and integration activities * Work closely with GNC, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams during development and test * Support integration, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototype hardware * Develop software interfaces for sensors, actuators, motor controllers, and embedded hardware systems * Support system-level testing, troubleshooting, and rapid iteration during development campaigns * Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and safety-critical design decisions ## Related Videos - [Software defines the vehicle: Why customers and developers will love cars even more](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1114-software-defines-the-vehicle-why-customers-and-developers-will-love-cars-even-more) - [Flexibility is Key: Unlocking the Advantages of Versatile Software Solutions for Strategic Innovatio](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1943-flexibility-is-key-unlocking-the-advantages-of-versatile-software-solutions-for-strategic-innovatio) - [Quantum Computing - The tiny and the big challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/934-quantum-computing-the-tiny-and-the-big-challenges) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Software stack under and over the hood of the fastest accelerating car in the world](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/221-software-stack-under-and-over-the-hood-of-the-fastest-accelerating-car-in-the-world) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)