Flight Software Engineer

InnoForge; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading SpaceTech organization seeks a Principal Flight Software Engineer to lead the design and development of mission-critical flight software. This role involves architecting delivery of real-time flight software and mentoring engineers in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates have 7+ years of experience in embedded software, proficiency in C/C++, and a strong understanding of real-time systems. A U.S. Security Clearance is required, making this a unique opportunity to influence space operations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of embedded or real-time software development for space or aerospace.
• Deep proficiency in C/C++ with understanding of deterministic systems.
• Experience leading full lifecycle development, from concept to operations.

Responsibilities

• Architect and deliver real-time flight software for spacecraft.
• Lead technical design reviews and validation across systems.
• Shape software processes and mentor engineers.
• Support spacecraft-in-the-loop and flight testing.

Skills

Embedded software development

C/C++ programming

Real-time systems

Leadership in software development

Agile methodologies

Job description

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Innoforge are working with a leading SpaceTech organization developing breakthrough capabilities that redefine how payloads move and operate in space.

We’re seeking a Principal Flight Software Engineer to lead the design and development of mission-critical flight software, powering a next-generation electromechanical deployment system that enables rapid, low-cost orbital operations without conventional propulsion.

You’ll work in a fast-paced, cleared prototyping environment, taking concepts from the whiteboard to flight. This is an opportunity to own the architecture, reliability, and performance of software systems that directly influence space domain superiority and next-gen defense capability.

What You’ll Do

• Architect and deliver real-time flight software spanning GNC, telemetry, autonomy, and fault management.
• Lead technical design reviews, validation, and integration across spacecraft systems.
• Develop high-reliability embedded software in C/C++ (and/or Rust) within RTOS or bare-metal environments.
• Shape software processes, mentor engineers, and drive system-level performance for mission success.
• Support spacecraft-in-the-loop and flight testing in an agile, prototype-driven environment.

What You Bring

• 7+ years of embedded or real-time software development for space, aerospace, or mission-critical systems.
• Deep proficiency in C/C++ and strong understanding of deterministic, real-time systems.
• Experience leading full lifecycle development — from concept through to flight operations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required).

If you’re passionate about building the future of in-space operations and want to play a key role in a program that will reshape how the U.S. projects capability in orbit, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Innoforge in confidence to learn more.

Santa Monica, CA $130,000.00-$150,000.00 1 week ago