Flight Software Engineer in Englewood, Colorado at ispace, inc.
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Job Description
We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer to join our mission operations team in a role focused on developing high reliability embedded software systems for spacecraft flight operations. This position is central to ensuring mission success through robust flight software development, real-time system implementation, and hardware interface integration.
You will be an integral member of the flight software team working across embedded software development, telemetry and command systems, and CI/CD pipeline implementation—while contributing to flight-critical software applications that enable safe and efficient lunar mission execution.
- End to end ownership of FSW subsystem – from requirements through verification and real time operations
- Architect, develop and maintain production-quality C code for embedded spacecraft flight software applications within the NASA cFS framework, implementing rigorous unit-level testing to ensure reliability of flight-critical systems.
- Design and implement real-time software systems for spacecraft operations, including command processing, telemetry generation, and hardware interface integration in memory-constrained environments.
- Work with embedded Linux systems (PREEMPT-RT), managing device trees, interrupt handling, scheduling, and system initialization to support high-reliability spacecraft operations.
- Own CI/CD pipeline development and maintenance, ensuring continuous integration and deployment of flight software with generated verification products.
- Collaborate with international engineering teams in Japan, Luxembourg and the U.S.
- Develop and maintain FSW operations procedures, technical documentation, and interface control documents to ensure operational readiness and mission assurance throughout the software development lifecycle.
- Support spacecraft operations as needed, monitoring telemetry, analyzing system performance, and providing flight software expertise during mission-critical phases.
- Work with vendors and internal stakeholders, clearly communicating technical requirements, progress and issues to both technical and non-technical audiences
- 5+ years of working experience
- Proficiency in C for embedded applications with experience in high-reliability embedded software systems; direct experience with spacecraft flight software is ideal
- Experience with Python or similar scripting languages
- Proficiency with Git version control
- Working knowledge of Linux environments
- Experience with real-time system development and hardware interface integration
- Knowledge of software application design and implementation lifecycle, including initialization, command processing, telemetry generation, and unit-level testing
- Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and generated verification products
- Experience with embedded Linux systems including PREEMPT-RT Linux, scheduling, device tree configuration, and interrupt management
- Experience with Yocto and/or U-Boot development for embedded system setup
- Experience with Docker containerization
- Familiarity with NASA's Core Flight System (cFS) framework
- Familiarity with CCSDS protocols (TC/TM, CFDP, Space Packet Protocol) for space systems
- Experience with RTOS concepts including tasking, scheduling, and resource management
- Experience in telemetry and command management system design and implementation
- Experience with image processing protocols
- Experience working with memory-constrained environments and serial communication protocols
The salary posted is a targeted range for budget of position. Base compensation can be negotiated and will be commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.
We welcome candidates with diverse experience levels and evaluate the best fit on an individual basis. Your final job level and salary will be determined based on your skills, experience, and the impact you can bring to the role.
Health Coverage: Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.
Commuter Perks: Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.
Lunch Perks: Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our café.
Paid Time Off: 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.
Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching.
Travel: Opportunities for domestic and international travel.
Stock Options: Participation in our stock option program.
Learning & Development: Ample opportunities to grow, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and stipends for professional development.
Team Culture: A fun and casual environment with regular team gatherings, including monthly TGIF events to connect and unwind.
$101,000 - $152,000 a year