> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1363973-principal-flight-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1363973-principal-flight-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal Flight Software Engineer

- **Company:** Astro Digital Inc.
- **Location:** Littleton, CO, United States
- **Salary:** $170,000.0 - $230,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Software Applications, Configuration Management, Linux, Revision Control Systems, Linux-Powered Devices, Software Engineering, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Software Organization, Multithreading, Git, Information Technology, C++14
- **Published:** July 21, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=9c372509b3df6856

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
 * 14+ years of experience in spacecraft flight software development
 * Strong understanding of real-time, multi-threaded systems and hardware/software integration
 * Expert-level proficiency with modern C++ (version 17 or later)
 * Expert knowledge of communication standards and protocols (e.g. RS422/485, TCP, UDP, SLIP, CCSDS)
 * Experience with Linux device drivers and board support packages
 * Experience with software development lifecycle, configuration management, and version control tools (e.g., Git)
 * Strong communication and organizational skills
 * Work out of the Denver area or San Jose area, * Experience with a variety of flight software frameworks
 * Experience with ASI's MAX Flight Software
 * Experience with spacecraft operations
 * Experience leading technical teams, This position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 20 Lbs. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required.

## Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Flight Software Engineer to join our team developing mission-critical software for satellite systems. In this role, you will serve as both a senior individual contributor and technical leader for the development of spacecraft flight software. You will be responsible for architecting, designing, implementing, validating, and sustaining mission-critical application software that operates onboard spacecraft throughout all phases of a mission lifecycle. This individual will provide technical leadership across multiple programs, influence engineering strategy, mentor team members, and establish software development best practices while remaining hands-on with system architecture, code development, and integration., * Design, develop, test, and deploy flight software for spacecraft and hosted payloads including for command and telemetry processing, power control, thermal management, communications, fault management, onboard autonomy, mission sequencing, and payload operations

 * Implement software using modern C++ for real-time, multi-threaded Linux applications
 * Serve as the technical authority for spacecraft flight software architecture, design, implementation, and validation
 * Establish software development standards, coding guidelines, verification processes, and engineering best practices
 * Mentor and develop flight software engineers, fostering technical excellence and engineering rigor


## Related Videos

- [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker)
- [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94)
- [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide)
- [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker)
- [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews)
- [Beyond Warp Speed: Crafting the Future of Web Development with Astro 4.10](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/985-beyond-warp-speed-crafting-the-future-of-web-development-with-astro-4-10)

## Related Articles

- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology)
- [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)
- [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)
- [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? Realistic Software Engineering Salaries](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/425-how-much-does-a-software-engineer-make-realistic-software-engineering-salaries)
- [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)