Flight Software Engineer

Loft Federal; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% company-paid medical, dental, and

vision insurance for employees

401(k) plan and equity options

Relocation assistance when applicable

Job summary

Loft Federal is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to develop onboard software that connects diverse spacecraft hardware to the platform, enabling successful missions in orbit. You will own features end-to-end, review code, and help shape software processes while collaborating across teams.

Applicants should have 3+ years of software engineering in C/C++ and Python, Git proficiency, CI and build-system experience, and prior leadership roles. US citizenship with TS/SCI eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• US Citizen with TS clearance and SCI eligibility.
• 3+ years of software engineering experience with C/C++ (C++11+) and Python.
• Proficiency with Git and collaborative development workflows.
• Experience with CI tools (GitLab-CI, Jenkins) and build systems (Make, CMake).
• Knowledge of distributed architectures and networking basics (UDP, TCP, IP).
• Experience developing multi-threaded applications and leading a team.
• Previous team leadership or managerial role.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and refine software with high ownership, delivering robust features from concept to delivery.
• Review code and enforce development processes to maintain quality and consistency.
• Design and implement unit and integration tests for authored and peer code.
• Use version control to create branches, push code, and merge to production branches.
• Contribute to onboard software architecture through proposals and reviews.
• Help enhance software processes and design standards.
• Coordinate with downstream teams on latest releases distribution.
• Participate in operating our on-orbit satellite fleet when needed.

Skills

C/C++ (C++11+)

Python

Distributed architecture

Multithreading

Leadership

Tools

Git

GitLab-CI

Jenkins

Make

CMake

Docker

K3s

systemd-nspawn

Job description

About Loft Federal

Loft Federal is committed to delivering theU.S. national security space communityafast, affordable, and streamlinedpathway to orbit. As awholly owned U.S. subsidiaryof Loft Orbital Solutions, Inc., we specialize in providing mission-ready space infrastructure with unmatched efficiency.

At Loft, we empower our team withautonomy, ownership, and bold problem-solving opportunitieswhile fostering atight-knit, supportive environment. We believe thatdiversity, inclusivity, and communityare the foundation of an open and innovative culture. We valuekind, collaborative, and mission-driven teammateswho excel inproblem-solving and communication—because great solutions come from great teams.

Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey with us?

Loft Federal’s Software group provides the on-orbit software that powers our satellite fleet — from the Linux services running on the Hub’s onboard computers, to the containerized workloads executing customer applications in low Earth orbit.

The applications developed by our team handle the low-level communication protocol details, exposing the connected devices behind standardized APIs used across mission operations. The team is also responsible for the automation and orchestration that allows Loft to safely and reliably operate the equipment at scale.

In this Flight Software Engineer role, you’ll help develop the software that connects diverse spacecraft hardware to the rest of the platform, and ultimately enables successful missions in orbit.

What you'll do:

• Design, implement, and refine software with a high degree of ownership, driving impactful features from concept through delivery while ensuring robustness and reliability.
• Review code, provide clear feedback, and enforce adherence to established development processes, style guides, and design standards to maintain consistency and quality across the codebase.
• Design and implement unit and integration tests for both self-authored and peer-authored code.
• Utilize version control systems to create feature branches, push code, and merge approved code into production branches.
• Contribute to the onboard software architecture through design proposals and collaborative review
• Participate in the review and enhancement of software development processes and design standards.
• Coordinate with downstream teams on the distribution and adoption of the latest releases.
• In addition to responsibilities within onboard software, you’ll have the opportunity to directly be involved in operating our on-orbit fleet of satellites.

Must Haves:

• US Citizen. TS clearance with SCI eligibility.
• 3+ years' software engineering experience, using programming languages including C/C++ (C++11 or newer) and Python.
• Proficiency with Git and collaborative development workflows
• Experience with continuous integration tools (GitLab-CI, Jenkins, or similar).
• Knowledge of build systems (e.g., Make, CMake).
• Understanding of distributed architecture.
• Familiarity with networking protocols (e.g., UDP, TCP, IP) and POSIX standards.
• Experience in developing multi-threaded applications.
• Previous team leader or manager role

Nice to Haves:

• Familiarity with additional programming languages, such as Go or Rust.
• Experience with embedded Linux operation, including Yocto, device trees, systemd, and Linux on ARM platforms.
• Proficiency with unit test frameworks (e.g., pytest, Googletest, Unity)
• Experience with middleware framework (gRPC, ZMQ/NATS, etc.)
• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, K3S, systemd-nspawn)
• Experience with space systems and concepts

Some of Our Awesome Benefits:

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents
• Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA
• 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
• 401(k) plan and equity options
• Daily catered lunches and snacks in office
• Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent
• Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support
• Off-sites and many social events and celebrations
• Relocation assistance when applicable

Salary Range

Per Colorado law, we are required to disclose the base compensation range for this role. This range is intentionally wide as we assess individuals based on their unique abilities and experience to find the best fit for our needs. Ultimately, your compensation will be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, you will find a truly remarkable culture guided by transparency and collaboration and work that is challenging and meaningful. We can't wait to meet you and see what you may add to our team!

$100,000 — $180,000 USD

Equal Employment Opportunity & Affineative Action

Loft Federal is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affineative Action Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability when applying for an open position, please contact us at [e-mail] for assistance.

We Hire for Talent, Not Just Resumes

Research shows that while men apply for jobs when they meet about60% of the qualifications, women and other underrepresented groups tend to apply only when they meet100% of the listed criteria. At Loft Federal, wevalue diverse perspectives, respectful debate, and people who challenge assumptions. If you’re excited about a role but don’t meet every requirement, we strongly encourage you to apply.