Flight Software Engineer

Linuxcareers; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Linuxcareers is seeking a Flight Software Engineer in Chantilly, Virginia to design and develop flight software applications for commanding and controlling satellites. The role involves working on the satellite command and data handling system, communications functions, and telemetry infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have experience with systems programming, Linux proficiency, and a background in embedded software. Proficiency in C, C++, or Rust and a degree in a relevant engineering field is required.

Join us to contribute to cutting-edge satellite technology!

Qualifications

• Proficiency in at least one systems programming language (C, C++, or Rust).
• Familiarity with Linux and operating system principles.
• Experience building software that interacts with hardware devices.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Linux applications for satellite flight systems.
• Create embedded software to interact with satellite hardware.
• Develop test software and telemetry tooling for flight software validation.

Skills

Systems programming (C, C++, or Rust)

Linux proficiency

Embedded software development

Git and CI/CD fundamentals

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering field

Tools

Embedded Linux systems (Yocto/OpenEmbedded)

Telemetry protocols (Protocol Buffers, ZeroMQ, gRPC)

Job description

Lynk is developing satellite direct-to-phone technology and seeks a Flight Software Engineer to design and develop flight software applications for commanding and controlling satellites. You will work on the satellite command and data handling system, communications functions, and telemetry infrastructure, initially testing on a laboratory prototype that simulates orbit operations.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop Linux applications for satellite flight systems, including command and data handling, power, communications, and guidance/navigation/control systems
• Create embedded software to interact with satellite hardware using CAN, I2C, SPI, RS-422, RS-485, and other protocols
• Implement inter-application coordination using standard Linux inter-process communication mechanisms
• Develop test software and telemetry tooling to verify and validate flight software on the flatsat laboratory environment
• Participate in design and code reviews to maintain best practices for the flight software codebase

What You Need

• Proficiency in at least one systems programming language (C, C++, or Rust) demonstrated through professional work, academic projects, or open-source contributions
• Willingness to work in the Rust programming language
• Familiarity with Linux and operating system principles
• Experience building software that interacts with hardware devices, or strong systems background with eagerness to work close to hardware
• Understanding of the software development life cycle phases and experience writing automated tests
• Familiarity with Git and CI/CD systems fundamentals
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Software, Computer, Electrical, Aerospace, or related engineering field, or equivalent practical experience

Nice to Have

• Several years of professional software engineering experience
• Network and socket programming experience for telemetry or commanding interfaces
• Inter-process communication (IPC) mechanisms experience
• Advanced knowledge of Rust programming language
• Familiarity with embedded Linux systems including Yocto/OpenEmbedded
• Experience developing and testing software for SmallSats or CubeSats
• Hardware-in-the-loop integration and testing experience
• Experience with Protocol Buffers, ZeroMQ, gRPC, and Systemd