Autonomy Engineer I, Arc Vehicle

Inversion Space Company; California; On-site; USD 71,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversion Space Company in Playa Vista, CA, is seeking an Autonomy Software Engineer to implement, test, and verify vehicle-level flight sequencing, mission autonomy, and fault-management logic to high technical standards. You will run SIL and HIL simulations and debug autonomy behaviors to enable safe flight operations.

Collaborate with systems, GNC, and avionics engineers to define mission phases, write tests, and analyze telemetry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/CE/Aerospace/Robotics or equivalent.
• 1+ year experience developing software for autonomous systems or aerospace vehicles.
• Strong C++ and Python in Linux-based development.
• Familiarity with Git, build systems, and debuggers; good communication.

Responsibilities

• Implement and test vehicle-level state machines and flight sequencing.
• Support robust fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) modules.
• Set up, run, and evaluate SIL and HIL simulations.
• Write unit tests, integration tests, and automated scripts.
• Analyze telemetry and logs to troubleshoot anomalies.
• Document autonomy logic, interfaces, and test results.
• Collaborate with systems, GNC, and avionics engineers to define mission phases and automated controls.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Finite state machines

Git

Debugging

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/CE/Aerospace/Robotics or equivalent

Tools

Git

Build systems

Debuggers

Job description

Advanced Reentry Technologies

Who We Are:

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions.

The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry.

Position Overview:

As a n Autonomy Software Engineer at Inversion , you will implement, test, and verify vehicle-level flight sequencing, mission autonomy, and fault-management logic to high technical standards. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, you will execute software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations, debugging logic gates and verifying autonomous behaviors to prepare our vehicles for safe flight operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement and test vehicle-level state machines, flight sequencing, and mission autonomy routines in C++ /Rust .
• Support the development and verification of robust fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) software modules.
• Set up, run, and evaluate software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations to validate nominal and off-nominal autonomous behaviors.
• Write comprehensive unit tests, integration tests, and automated test scripts to ensure flight software quality.
• Analyze telemetry and log files from integrated test runs to troubleshoot software anomalies and state-machine transitions.
• Document autonomy logic, interface definitions, and test results to support vehicle system-level qualification.
• Collaborate with systems, GNC, and avionics engineers to define mission phases, command scripts, and automated hazard controls.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science , Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent technical experience.
• Typically 1+ years of internship, academic research, or professional experience developing software for autonomous systems, robotics, or aerospace vehicles.
• Strong foundational programming skills in C++ and Python within a Linux-based development environment.
• Basic understanding of finite state machines, object-oriented software design, or event-driven programming architectures.
• Familiarity with standard software development tools such as Git, build systems, and debuggers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded systems, or hardware-software interfaces.
• Familiarity with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or UAV flight phases and operations.
• Demonstrated technical execution through collegiate engineering teams (such as Formula SAE, rocket clubs, or robotics design groups).
• Prior internship experience in a fast-paced aerospace or robotics startup environment.

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $71,000 - $124,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

ITAR Compliance:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Notice for further details.