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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Flight Software Engineer - **Company:** True Anomaly - **Location:** Denver, CO, United States - **Salary:** $180,000.0 - $285,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Clean Code Principles, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Azure, C++ (Programming Language), Compilers, Communications Protocols, Databases, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Software Design Patterns, Device Drivers, Linux on Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Firmware, Revision Control Systems, Python (Programming Language), Network Protocols, Real-Time Operating Systems, RS-485 Standard, RTLinux, Sensor Fusion, Software Engineering, Verification and Validation (Software), Data Streaming, Subsystems, TCP/IP, Toolchain, Software Organization, Serial Peripheral Interface, PIC Microcontroller, Information Technology - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/principal-flight-software-engineer-true-anomaly-7888797 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field * 15+ years of experience with embedded systems, low-level firmware architecture, and safety-critical software * Demonstrated ownership of FSW architecture on delivered space or safety-critical programs * Deep expertise in low-level device driver development and real-time embedded systems * Hands-on experience with embedded RTOS platforms such as RTLinux or Azure RTOS * Strong command of communication protocols including Ethernet, SPI, I2C, CAN, RS422, and RS485 * Expert-level proficiency in C/C++; proficiency in Python * Ability to maintain or obtain TS/SCI clearance PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE * Master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field * 15+ years of FSW development experience with direct contributions to on-orbit missions * Proven ability to define and uphold engineering standards across a software organization * Experience leading architecture reviews and driving technical decisions across multidisciplinary teams * Familiarity with embedded Linux and networking protocols including UDP and TCP/IP * Fluency with embedded systems toolchains, compilers, debuggers, and IDEs * Experience with microcontrollers, application processors, and revision control systems at scale * Advanced debugging skills using instrumentation such as oscilloscopes and protocol analyzers * Background in robotics, automation, motor control, or sensor fusion ## Description As a Principal Flight Software Engineer at True Anomaly, you will serve as a technical authority across the full spacecraft software stack, shaping architecture decisions, setting engineering standards, and driving the development of flight software from concept through on-orbit operations. You will own hard problems, influence program-level direction, and raise the technical bar for the team around you. If you are looking for a role where your decisions have real consequences in space, this is it., * Own the architecture and technical direction of flight software for space missions, including on-board computers, processing units, and associated systems * Lead the design and development of robust, safety-critical embedded software with a focus on long-term maintainability and mission reliability * Drive integration of complex GNC algorithms with flight software, collaborating closely with the GNC team to ensure correctness and performance * Define and maintain the Command Telemetry Database (CTDB) architecture to support ground and on-orbit test and operations * Establish and enforce software engineering standards including coding practices, design patterns, and verification and validation approaches * Partner with the ground C2 software team to align interfaces, data flows, and operational concepts across the full system * Architect and lead development of HITL and SITL simulation environments for subsystem and full-vehicle testing * Design and own reusable device driver and communications protocol libraries across flight hardware platforms * Serve as a key technical voice in design reviews, architecture discussions, and cross-functional planning ## Related Videos - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [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) - [Turning Container security up to 11 with Capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/718-turning-container-security-up-to-11-with-capabilities) - [What I learned as a developer from accidents in space](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/642-what-i-learned-as-a-developer-from-accidents-in-space) - [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [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) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)