Flight Software Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity-Based Compensation

Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Health and Wellness Stipend

Job summary

Space Kinetic is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain critical software systems for satellite operations. The ideal candidate will have a BS or MS in Computer Science or a related field, along with 2-3 years of experience in embedded software development. Proficiency in C/C++ is required, and U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is a must due to government regulations. The position is based onsite in El Segundo, California, with some travel required. Competitive compensation and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience developing embedded or real-time software for space, aerospace, or mission-critical systems.
• Knowledge of software development through all phases of the system lifecycle.
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and software reliability in constrained environments.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

C/C++ proficiency

Python or scripting languages

Embedded or real-time software

Software reliability and resource management

Education

Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering

Tools

NASA cFS

F’ FPrime

RTOS

Linux-based embedded systems

Job description

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.).

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
• Health and Wellness Stipend

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.

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.

The annual base salary for this role is below. 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/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

Pay Range

$120,000 - $150,000 USD