Principal Flight Software Engineer - AdAstra Talent Advisors : Job Details

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Principal Flight Software Engineer

About the Company

Space is the bleeding edge for humanity's next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires infrastructure that makes orbit as accessible and reliable as air freight. Our client is building that future by developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability - transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way trade route for innovation and commerce.

This is a direct hire, permanent placement position for a client of AdAstra Talent Advisors

About the Role

Our client is seeking an exceptional Flight Software Engineer to architect and develop the software that will command our revolutionary reusable satellite platform. You'll build safety-critical systems that operate autonomously in the harshest environment known to humanity, creating the digital nervous system that enables spacecraft to think, react, and return home safely. This is a unique opportunity to:

• Design and implement flight software architecture for autonomous spacecraft operations
• Build real-time embedded systems that control everything from propulsion to payload operations
• Create fault-tolerant software that can handle the unexpected in orbit and during atmospheric reentry Join a rapidly growing team with the resources to tackle ambitious technical challenges

Why This Client?

• Pioneering Technology: They are developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, fundamentally transforming the space economy.
• Real Impact: Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research, and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructure
• Speed & Autonomy: They maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standards
• World-Class Team: Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies building technology that will reshape humanity's access to space

Responsibilities

You'll own the flight software architecture for their reusable satellite platform.

• Architect and implement real-time flight software for spacecraft command and control
• Develop embedded software for avionics, propulsion, thermal, and payload subsystems
• Build autonomous decision-making algorithms for mission-critical operations
• Create robust fault detection, isolation, and recovery FDIR) software
• Design and implement spacecraft-to-ground communication protocols and telemetry systems
• Develop hardware abstraction layers and device drivers for spacecraft components
• Build comprehensive software-in-the-loop SIL and hardware-in-the-loop HITL) test frameworks Implement cybersecurity measures for spacecraft command authentication and data integrity
• Support integration, testing, and on-orbit commissioning of flight software
• Collaborate with GNC, avionics, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless system integration

Requirements

• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field 8+ years of experience developing embedded software for spacecraft
• Expert proficiency in C/C or Rust for embedded systems development
• Experience with real-time operating systems RTOS) such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or similar
• Strong understanding of embedded systems constraints: memory, processing, and power limitations Experience with software development for resource-constrained environments
• Proficiency with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks
• Understanding of spacecraft operations and orbital mechanics fundamentals
• Passion for building reliable systems that operate in extreme environments

Preferred Experience

• M.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
• Experience with spacecraft flight software development and space-rated processors
• Knowledge of DO178C, NASASTD8739.8, or similar safety-critical software standards
• Familiarity with SpaceWire, CAN bus, RS422, and other spacecraft communication protocols
• Experience with formal verification methods and static analysis tools
• Background in fault-tolerant computing and redundancy management
• Prior work with autonomous systems and machine learning on embedded platforms
• Experience with ground station software and mission control systems
• Contributions to open-source aerospace or robotics projects

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. They evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

About AdAstra

AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world's leading Hard Tech startups.

At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it's all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what's never been done before.

We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn't a perfect fit, it's likely we'll have something relevant to share with you in the future.

Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!

Seniority level

• Seniority levelMid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• IndustriesDefense and Space Manufacturing

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