> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4457654-flight-software-engineer-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4457654-flight-software-engineer-lead). 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). --- # Flight Software Engineer - Lead - **Company:** Astra Core-X - **Location:** Louisville, CO, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $150,000.0 - $220,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Data Analysis, C++ (Programming Language), Configuration Management, Static Program Analysis, Code Review, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Middleware, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Formal Verification, Hardware Interface Design, Monitoring of Systems, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), Monte Carlo Methods, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Subsystems, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, PIC Microcontroller, Real Time Systems, Concurrency, State Machines, Information Technology, Operational Systems, DO-178B, Software Coding, Software Version Control - **Published:** October 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.disabledperson.com/jobs/75657513-flight-software-engineer-lead ## About the Role * Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another relevant field. * 5-10 years of experience designing, implementing, and testing embedded or flight software for aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems. * Strong experience with C and/or C++ for embedded, real-time systems; familiarity with Rust and Python for tools, test, or infrastructure. * Hands-on experience developing software for microcontrollers or embedded processors, including working with RTOSes, interrupts, and hardware interfaces (e.g., UART, CAN, Ethernet). * Demonstrated experience with software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing, including building and using testbeds and simulators for flight software validation. * Experience implementing fault management, mode logic, and safety-critical state machines in operational systems. * Strong understanding of real-time constraints, concurrency, and resource management (CPU, memory, and timing budgets) in embedded environments. * Experience with configuration management, version control, and CI/CD pipelines for embedded software. * U.S. citizen with eligibility for government security clearance., * Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another relevant field. * 10+ years of experience in flight software or safety-critical embedded systems for launch vehicles, spacecraft, UAVs, or advanced aerospace platforms. * Experience integrating advanced GN&C algorithms into flight software, including MIMO feedback, trajectory following, and mission sequencing. * Familiarity with aerospace software standards and processes (e.g., NASA/ESA standards, DO-178C, ECSS, or similar safety-critical frameworks). * Experience with telemetry systems, ground software interfaces, and operational concepts for flight missions. * Background in building and operating end-to-end mission software stacks, from embedded flight code to ground tools and monitoring systems. * Experience with formal verification, static analysis tools, or rigorous validation approaches for high-reliability software. * Prior leadership experience guiding teams of embedded/flight software engineers on complex, multi-vehicle or multi-mission programs. ## Description Astra CoreX, Inc. (ACX) is seeking a Lead Flight Software Engineer to architect, develop, and own the onboard software stack for next-generation aerospace vehicles. You will work closely with Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GN&C), avionics, and autonomy teams to design and implement real-time flight software responsible for mission sequencing, fault management, telemetry, and closed-loop control., * Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of flight software subsystems including mode management, fault detection/isolation/recovery (FDIR), command and telemetry handling, and health monitoring. * Work with G&C and avionics to integrate guidance, navigation, and control algorithms into real-time, resource-constrained environments using RTOS-based frameworks. * Define and implement interfaces to sensors, actuators, and communication links (e.g., IMUs, RF links, propulsion, power systems) including low-level drivers and middleware. * Develop and maintain simulation and test infrastructure, including software-in-the-loop (SITL), hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), Monte Carlo analysis, and recorded flight data playback to validate flight software performance and robustness. * Own flight software reliability and safety: perform hazard analyses, define fault containment strategies, implement watchdogs, safe modes, and redundancy management. * Collaborate with vehicle engineering to define software requirements, architecture documents, ICDs, and verification plans for flight-critical functionality. * Lead code reviews, integration efforts, and debugging sessions on embedded targets with cross-functional teams (GN&C, avionics, payloads, ground software). * Support integration and flight test campaigns, including pre-flight readiness, real-time telemetry monitoring, anomaly investigation, and post-flight data analysis. * Mentor and guide junior flight software engineers, establish best practices for coding standards, testing, and configuration management for flight-critical systems.