Autonomy Engineer I, Arc Vehicle

Inversion; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversion, based in Playa Vista, CA, is seeking an Autonomy Software Engineer to develop advanced flight sequencing and mission autonomy systems. You will implement and test software for autonomous vehicle operations, focusing on ensuring robust performance under various flight conditions.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and programming skills in C++ and Python, with the opportunity to work closely with experienced engineers. The role offers a dynamic workplace and competitive salary.

Qualifications

• 1+ years experience in software for autonomous systems, robotics, or aerospace vehicles.
• Strong foundation in C++ and Python programming within Linux environments.
• Understanding of finite state machines and object-oriented design.

Responsibilities

• Implement and test vehicle-level state machines in C++/Rust.
• Support development and verification of fault detection software modules.
• Run and evaluate software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulations.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Fault Detection and Isolation

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Git

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform—one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.

Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.

Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.

What You’ll Do

As an 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, debug logic gates and verify 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.

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 U.S. job applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Notice for further details.