Flight Software Engineer

About the role

Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup dedicated to addressing urgent national security priorities through the delivery of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense. Leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, we aim to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain and catalyzing the emerging space economy.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain critical software systems that control and operate satellites.
• Integrate and test software in simulation, flight replica, flight, and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Work with multiple engineering teams to establish software requirements and design.
• Partner with various engineering teams to commission newly launched satellites.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
• 2-3 years of experience developing embedded or real-time software for space, aerospace, robotics, or mission-critical systems.
• Knowledge of software development through all phases of the system lifecycle—from requirements through flight operations.
• Entry level to Intermediate proficiency in C/C++, with working knowledge of Python or scripting languages for automation and testing.
• Familiarity with RTOS, bare-metal programming, or Linux-based embedded systems.
• Basic understanding of software reliability, deterministic timing, concurrency, and resource management in constrained environments.

Qualifications

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder).
• Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required.

Skills

• Experience with flight software frameworks (e.g., NASA cFS, F’ FPrime, or custom architectures).
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and interface control documentation.
• Knowledge of space communication protocols (CCSDS, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, etc.).

Benefits

Space Kinetic offers:

• Equity-Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
• Health and Wellness Stipend
• Commuter Benefits

Pay

The annual base salary for this role is between $120,000 USD - $150,000 USD.

Schedule

The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).