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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Flight Software Engineer - **Company:** Job Impulse - **Location:** Redondo Beach, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $150,000.0 - $200,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Computer Engineering, Linux on Embedded Systems, Middleware, Software Architecture, Information Technology, Hardware Infrastructure - **Published:** June 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/13b07b88-36a5-403c-a44d-c8223f64f9e2 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. * 5+ years of professional experience developing C/C++ code for embedded systems in aerospace, with at least 1 year in a technical leadership role. * Demonstrated experience of computer architecture, operating systems, deterministic real-time execution, and embedded networking. * Experience with Embedded Linux in mission-critical environments. Preferred Skills and Experience * Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility. * Proven track record delivering flight software for spacecraft, launch vehicles, upper stages, OTVs, responsive spacecraft, or other high-performance aerospace systems. * Experience with flight software frameworks, middleware, distributed software architectures, or publish/subscribe messaging patterns for mission-critical embedded systems. * Participation in successful integration, testing, launch, and mission operations of a space vehicle. * Experience collaborating with external suppliers, primes, or government customers to integrate software and hardware components across vehicle, payload, or mission systems. * Strong communication skills, with the ability to lead technical discussions and guide design trade studies. Additional Information: Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan. ## Description As a Lead Flight Software Engineer for Special Programs at Impulse Space, you will lead the design, development, integration, and operation of the software that powers some of the most agile delta-V spacecraft under development. You will work closely with GNC, avionics, propulsion, systems, and mission operations teams to deliver high-reliability software for responsive space missions., * Lead the design, implementation, integration, and verification of flight software for high-performance space vehicles produced at scale. * Architect real-time flight software systems for responsive spacecraft, including command and telemetry, mission sequencing, autonomy, and fault management. * Develop and integrate software for closed-loop control of propulsion, attitude control, and other time-critical vehicle systems. * Develop detection and mitigation algorithms for anomalies such as sensor failures, actuator malfunctions, or radiation-induced faults. * Mentor and provide technical direction to a team of flight software engineers. * Support mission operations and troubleshoot real-time issues during ground integration, environmental testing, and on-orbit operations. ## Related Videos - [The Avengers Initiative (Practical Ethics for Software Engineers)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2070-the-avengers-initiative-practical-ethics-for-software-engineers) - [Developer’s Perspective: Overview of the Tezos Blockchain Ecosystem](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/237-developer-s-perspective-overview-of-the-tezos-blockchain-ecosystem) - [Swapping a Data Warehouse at Runtime: Zero-Downtime Migration Without Changing a Single Client](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100311-swapping-a-data-warehouse-at-runtime-zero-downtime-migration-without-changing-a-single-client) - [Modern software architectures](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1684-modern-software-architectures) - [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) - [Exploring BOS: The Blockchain Operating System by NEAR Protocol](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/781-exploring-bos-the-blockchain-operating-system-by-near-protocol) ## Related Articles - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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