Flight Automation & GNC Software Integration Engineer

Apera; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera is seeking a Software Integration Engineer to lead the bring-up, integration, and testing of flight automation systems aboard test aircraft. You will work at the intersection of software, hardware, and autonomy, using real flight data to drive improvements.

You will develop C++ and Python tools, run flight test campaigns, and collaborate with controls, software, and systems teams to ensure readiness and robust performance in a hands-on, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in a hardware-interfacing software role.
• Experience with real-time or safety-critical software.
• Ability to debug complex integrated systems near hardware.

Responsibilities

• Own bring-up, integration, and checkout of GNC and flight automation software on test aircraft.
• Develop and execute flight test cards to characterize performance and autonomy features.
• Investigate and resolve flight test issues with cross-functional teams.
• Support flight readiness and configuration management reviews.
• Build and improve software tests frameworks and processes.
• Develop automated testing and simulation tools to validate flight automation before flight.

Skills

GNC

Flight test

Embedded systems

Real-time software

Networking

Fault tolerance

System design

Independent work

Hands-on mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

C++

Python

Bazel

Messaging frameworks

Simulation tools

Job description

Apera is seeking a Software Integration Engineer to lead the bring-up, integration, and testing of flight automation systems aboard test aircraft. You will work at the intersection of software, hardware, and autonomy, using real flight data to drive improvements.

You will develop C++ and Python tools, run flight test campaigns, and collaborate with controls, software, and systems teams to ensure readiness and robust performance in a hands-on, fast-paced environment.