Head of Flight Software Engineer

About the role

Fortastra designs and delivers resilient, high-performance spacecraft that safeguard critical orbital assets and ensure freedom of action in space. The company integrates advanced autonomy, sensing, and control into systems engineered for reliability, speed, and scale. Its culture values simplicity, accountability, and disciplined execution, empowering engineers to think systemically, act decisively, and build with purpose. Fortastra recently raised $8M in seed capital and is led by visionary founder and former Hermeus co‑founder, Mike Smayda. You will join Fortastra’s Engineering Division, responsible for the design, development, and test of flight systems across the autonomous spacecraft portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Build mission operations software — the ground tools that plan, execute, and monitor missions in real time.
• Develop and integrate flight software for the vehicle — from architecture and implementation to test and flight readiness.
• Develop ground software services for telemetry, commanding, and visualization.
• Write embedded software for flight computers, sensors, and actuators.
• Collaborate with avionics, propulsion, and GNC teams to define software interfaces and data models.
• Contribute to flight software CI/CD pipelines, testing frameworks, and simulation environments.
• Support software‑in‑the‑loop testing, hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, environmental testing, and flight campaigns.

Qualifications

• B.S. Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical, or other sciences and/or physics based degree
• Prior experience in systems and mission operations software
• Experience with ground software, mission ops, or telemetry/command systems
• Experience with space systems – rovers, satellites, launch vehicles, etc.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain or have an active TS/SCI clearance (US Person considered)

Skills

• Familiarity developing embedded software for real‑time or safety‑critical systems (aerospace, robotics, automotive, or similar)
• Exposure to DevOps for embedded systems and automated testing pipelines
• Familiarity with hardware‑in‑the‑loop, fault tolerance, and safety‑critical standards
• Experience with cloud‑based ground systems or mission control software
• Ability to work independently and in small, fast‑moving teams
• Work is on‑site; remote or hybrid arrangements will not be considered

Why Fortastra?

Join a small, high‑impact team developing the next generation of autonomous orbital control systems for national security space. At Fortastra, engineers own the full lifecycle — from concept through flight — shaping the future of trusted, resilient spacecraft autonomy.

Benefits

• Unlimited Paid Time Off so that you have the time you need to rest and recharge.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, because peace of mind starts with feeling cared for.
• Equity: Share in Fortastra's success with equity in the company you're helping build.
• 401(k): A 401(k) plan to help you invest in your future and plan for what's ahead.
• Team Building: Regular social events, team outings, and company‑sponsored activities that make this a place people are glad to be part of.

Pay

The pay range for this role is $180,000.00 - $250,000.00. Where an offer falls within that range depends on factors like your qualifications, experience, location, and interview performance, which we weigh against the market rate for the position.