> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2720610-lead-flight-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2720610-lead-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). --- # Lead Flight Software Engineer - **Company:** The Space Inc. - **Location:** El Segundo, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $220,000.0 - $275,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Code Review, Communications Protocols, Computer Engineering, Linux, Programming Tools, Linux on Embedded Systems, Network Interface Controllers, Fault Tolerance, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Integration, Scripting, Real Time Systems, Concurrency, Reliability of Systems, Information Technology, Bare Metal - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/lead-flight-software-engineer-space-kinetic-8112407 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. * 5 to 10 years of experience developing embedded or real-time software for space, aerospace, robotics, or other mission-critical systems. * Experience leading software development across the full system lifecycle, from requirements and architecture through integration, qualification, and operations. * Strong proficiency in C/C++, with experience using Python or similar scripting languages for automation and testing. * Experience with RTOS, bare-metal programming, or Linux-based embedded systems. * Strong understanding of deterministic timing, concurrency, fault tolerance, software reliability, and resource management in constrained environments. * Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. What We'd Love: * Experience with flight software frameworks such as NASA cFS, F´, or custom architectures. * Familiarity with model-based systems engineering and interface control documentation. * Knowledge of spacecraft communication protocols such as CCSDS, SpaceWire, or MIL-STD-1553. ## Description The Lead Flight Software Engineer will serve as the technical leader for the development, integration, and validation of mission-critical software for Space Kinetic's electromechanical spacecraft systems. You will own low-level and high-level software from initial architecture and requirements through qualification, flight operations, and on-orbit maintenance. This role requires deep experience with embedded real-time systems, software reliability, and spacecraft operations, along with the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced prototyping environment with an aggressive path to flight., * Lead flight software architecture and development for spacecraft control, autonomy, communications, telemetry, command, GNC interfaces, fault management, and safety systems. * Define software requirements, interfaces, development roadmaps, and verification strategies in partnership with systems, electrical, GNC, test, and mission engineering teams. * Develop reliable, deterministic, and fault-tolerant software using C/C++ or Rust in RTOS, bare-metal, or embedded Linux environments. * Lead software and code reviews, integration, testing, and qualification activities in alignment with applicable spaceflight and mission-assurance standards. * Support simulation, spacecraft-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and ground-software integration environments. * Mentor software engineers, establish coding and design standards, and improve development tools, processes, and best practices. * Support mission-readiness reviews, anomaly resolution, flight operations, and on-orbit software updates. ## Related Videos - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [JavaScript? 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