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# Principal Flight Software Engineer

- **Company:** Astro Digital Inc.
- **Location:** San Jose, CA, 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), Technical Data Management Systems, Software Organization, Multithreading, Git, Information Technology, C++14
- **Published:** September 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/e0ce919c-8555-4000-94dd-bd3607ebd1b6/principal-flight-software-engineer

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
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 * 14+ years of experience in spacecraft flight software development
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 * Strong understanding of real-time, multi-threaded systems and hardware/software integration
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 * Expert-level proficiency with modern C++ (version 17 or later)
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 * Expert knowledge of communication standards and protocols (e.g. RS422/485, TCP, UDP, SLIP, CCSDS)
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 * Experience with Linux device drivers and board support packages
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 * Experience with software development lifecycle, configuration management, and version control tools (e.g., Git)
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 * Strong communication and organizational skills, 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
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 * Implement software using modern C++ for real-time, multi-threaded Linux applications
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 * Serve as the technical authority for spacecraft flight software architecture, design, implementation, and validation
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 * Establish software development standards, coding guidelines, verification processes, and engineering best practices
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 * Mentor and develop flight software engineers, fostering technical excellence and engineering rigor
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