Flight Software Engineer

Industrious Ventures; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity-Based Compensation

Highly Competitive PTO

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Performance-Based Bonus Structure

Health and Wellness Stipend

Commuter Benefits

Job summary

Industrious Ventures seeks a Flight Software Engineer to design and maintain critical software systems that control satellites, ensuring reliable performance. The role requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field and 2-3 years of experience in embedded or real-time software. The position is based in El Segundo, CA, and offers a salary range of $120,000 – $150,000 USD along with equity-based compensation and comprehensive health coverage.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience developing real-time software for space or aerospace.
• Entry to intermediate proficiency in Python or scripting languages.
• Familiarity with space communication protocols preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software systems for satellites.
• Integrate and test software in various environments.
• Work with engineering teams to establish software requirements.

Skills

C/C++ proficiency

Experience in embedded software

Knowledge of software lifecycle

Familiarity with RTOS or Linux

Basic understanding of software reliability

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering

Job description

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy.

What You’ll Do:

The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, and maintain the critical software systems that control and operate our satellites, ensuring reliable performance and mission success in the challenging environment of space. Integrate and test software in simulation, flight replica, flight, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments. Work with multiple engineering teams to establish software requirements and design. Partner with various engineering teams to commission newly launched satellites.

What It Takes:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
• 2-3 years of experience developing embedded or real‑time software for space, aerospace, robotics, or mission‑critical systems.
• Knowledge of software development through all phases of the system lifecycle—from requirements through flight operations.
• Entry level to Intermediate proficiency in C/C++, with working knowledge of Python or scripting languages for automation and testing.
• Familiarity with RTOS, bare‑metal programming, or Linux‑based embedded systems.
• Basic understanding of software reliability, deterministic timing, concurrency, and resource management in constrained environments.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder).
• Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required.

What We’d Love:

• Experience with flight software frameworks (e.g., NASA cFS, F’ FPrime, or custom architectures).
• Familiarity with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) and interface control documentation.
• Knowledge of space communication protocols (CCSDS, SpaceWire, MIL‑STD‑1553, etc.).

Our vision is unique, and so is the team we’re building. If you’re driven to succeed in this role, even if your background doesn’t fully align with every qualification, we want your application.

Where You’ll Be:

• The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).

What We Offer:

• Equity‑Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance‑Based Bonus Structure
• Health and Wellness Stipend
• Commuter Benefits

ITAR Requirements:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Space Kinetic 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, disability or any other legally protected status.

Pay Range

$120,000 – $150,000 USD