Lead Flight Software Engineer

Space Kinetic is seeking a Lead Flight Software Engineer to shape the design, development, and technical direction of our flight software across all lifecycle stages. This role centers on embedded real-time systems that enable spacecraft control, autonomy, and safety, and it requires hands-on leadership to guide a team through complex verification and integration tasks. The position is based onsite at our El Segundo, California headquarters, where collaboration with systems, electrical, and mission engineering teams drives robust software for space missions.

Salary: USD 220,000 - 275,000 per year

Responsibilities

• Steer the architectural design of Space Kinetic flight software, covering guidance, navigation, control, telemetry, command, and fault management components.
• Define software requirements, interfaces, and verification strategies in partnership with cross-functional systems, electrical, and mission teams.
• Develop reliable, real-time, fault-tolerant software in C/C++ and/or Rust for embedded or RTOS environments.
• Lead design and code reviews and oversee verification activities to ensure safety, reliability, and performance in line with space flight standards (NASA NPR, ECSS, DO-178C).
• Mentor engineers, uphold code quality, and drive system-level integration across projects.
• Support spacecraft-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and flight simulation testing workflows.
• Advocate for continuous improvement of software development processes, tools, and best practices across the engineering organization.
• Participate in mission readiness activities, anomaly investigation, and on-orbit software updates and maintenance.
• Apply experience with simulation environments and ground software integration to enhance testability and reliability.
• Foster strong collaboration and clear communication across multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating leadership under mission-critical constraints.
• Demonstrate a passion for advancing space technologies and contributing to successful missions.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
• 5 to 10 years of experience developing embedded or real-time software for space, aerospace, robotics, or mission-critical systems.
• Proven track record leading software development through all lifecycle phases from requirements to flight operations.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++, with working knowledge of Python or scripting for automation and testing.
• Familiarity with RTOS, bare-metal, or Linux-based embedded environments.
• Deep understanding of software reliability, deterministic timing, concurrency, and resource management in constrained settings.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is required to comply with export regulations; candidates may need eligibility for access to classified information and security clearance.
• Able to obtain or maintain related government security clearances as required.

Technologies

• C/C++, Rust
• Python
• RTOS, Linux
• NASA cFS, FPrime
• CCSDS, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553

Location and Travel

Onsite at Space Kinetic headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required, up to approximately 20 percent of the year.

Benefits

• Equity-based compensation
• Highly competitive paid time off and holiday schedule
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Performance-based bonus structure
• Health and wellness stipend
• Commuter benefits
• Dental, health, life, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance

Space Kinetic is an equal opportunity employer and provides opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status.