Early Flight Software Engineer

Pow.bio; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Comprehensive healthcare

Competitive 401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Daily lunch and unlimited snacks

Community events

Job summary

Pow.bio in Los Angeles is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to design and implement mission-critical software for satellite systems. The role offers opportunities to work on innovative projects within the aerospace sector, ensuring reliable operations during critical missions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering and 1-3 years of relevant software experience. Excellent benefits, including equity, comprehensive healthcare, and a supportive work environment, are provided.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of total flight software experience.
• Knowledge of satellite systems and protocols, such as CCSDS and ECSS.
• Experience with software integration, testing, and validation for real-time and distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and own mission‑critical software applications for satellite systems.
• Support commissioning of spacecraft during launch and early operations.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to baseline product requirements.

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

Real-time systems

Embedded Linux

Network protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS, EE, or equivalent

Tools

Linux distributions (Yocto)

Job description

Location

Los Angeles

Employment Type

Full time

Department

Engineering

About the Role

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the aerospace industry. As launch vehicles become more affordable, commercial spacecraft platforms or satellite buses are in high demand. Apex manufactures these buses at scale using software, vertical integration, and manufacturing‑oriented hardware. The flight software team designs, develops, and owns the mission‑critical software that drives the autonomous operation of Apex’s satellite buses, ensuring reliable operation 24/7 across all scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and own mission‑critical software applications for satellite systems.
• Support commissioning of spacecraft during launch and early operations and ensure software systems remain functional during critical operations.
• Own spacecraft software solutions through the full lifecycle from initial design to deployment.
• Perform unit testing, integration testing, and system‑level testing of software components, identifying and resolving defects.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to baseline product requirements and technical roadmaps.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export‑controlled data.
• 1‑3 years of total flight software experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in CS, EE, or equivalent.
• Strong proficiency in Python, C++, Rust.
• Experience with real‑time systems running on distributed hardware.
• Knowledge of embedded Linux operating systems, system administration, and creating Linux distributions (Yocto).
• Familiarity with satellite systems and protocols, such as CCSDS and ECSS.
• Experience with software integration, testing, and validation for real‑time and distributed systems.
• Familiarity with network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP), secure communication systems, Protobuf, and encryption.

Salary Range: $115,000 - $145,000 a year

Benefits

• Equity in Apex.
• Best‑in‑class healthcare, dental, vision plans; primary and dependent premiums 99%+ covered.
• Comprehensive PTO package, including paid holidays.
• Competitive 401(k) plan with matching.
• Paid parental leave.
• Daily lunch and unlimited snacks.
• Community events such as office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club.
• Full desk setup and tools.
• World‑class Playa Vista office.
• Opportunity to make a real impact in the aerospace industry.

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.