Flight Software Engineer

Barrios Technology Ltd.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Barrios Technology, a trusted engineering partner for NASA and commercial space, seeks a Flight Software Engineer to design, develop, test, and support flight software for cutting-edge spaceflight systems. You will own the full software lifecycle, collaborate with hardware teams, and contribute to Agile development cycles.

The role requires a BS degree in software/Computer/Tech/Math and five years of related software experience, with strong C/C++ OO skills and embedded systems expertise.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Software/Computer Engineering, Technology, or Math with five years of related software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in object-oriented programming (C/C++).
• Experience with firmware, embedded software, and hardware/software integration.
• Hands-on debugging of embedded systems in lab environments with test equipment.
• Experience with serial and packet-based communication protocols (RS-232/422/485; TCP/IP, UDP/IP).
• Experience with Git-based platforms (GitLab, GitHub) and cross-disciplinary teamwork.
• Strong communication, coordination, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test flight software for critical spaceflight systems.
• Own the full software lifecycle from design through deployment and support.
• Collaborate with hardware teams for integration, design trades, and testing.
• Analyze and verify software performance; hands-on debugging with lab equipment.
• Contribute to risk analysis, fault mitigation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Participate in Agile development cycles and program reviews.
• Provide technical input during milestones and support system-level integration.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to troubleshoot and validate behavior.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded software development

Debugging embedded systems

Serial communication protocols

Networking (TCP/IP, UDP/IP)

GitLab / GitHub

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Education

BS in Software/Computer/Tech/Math

Tools

GitLab / GitHub

Docker

Windows / POSIX OS

Job description

Overview

Barrios Technology is an engineering solutions partner with more than 45 years of experience supporting NASA and the commercial space industry. We deliver innovative engineering, software, and technology integration services nationwide. Barrios fosters a people-focused culture that values creativity, diversity, professional growth, and a healthy work–life balance.

We are seeking Flight Software Engineers to help create next generation commercial space capabilities. Working alongside our commercial spaceflight partners, you will develop software for emerging spaceflight systems and their supporting infrastructure.

Responsibilities

The Flight Software Engineer will:

• Design, develop, and test flight software that will operate critical, cutting‑edge spaceflight systems
• Own the full software lifecycle, including design, implementation, testing, deployment, and operational support
• Collaborate with hardware engineers and subsystem teams to support successful hardware/software integration, design trades, and integrated testing
• Perform analysis and verification of software performance for integrated hardware/software systems, including hands‑on debugging using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and signal measurement tools
• Contribute to risk identification, fault analysis, and mitigation activities associated with flight software design
• Conduct hardware-in-the-loop testing and interact directly with embedded systems in laboratory and test environments to validate system behavior and performance
• Contribute to Agile development cycles, including planning, integration, and verification activities
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support system‑level integration and troubleshooting
• Provide technical input during major milestones and program reviews
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Education/Experience/Skills:

• BS degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Technology, or Math, from an accredited school and five (5) years of related software development experience
• Strong proficiency in object‑oriented programming (e.g., C/C++)
• Experience with firmware, embedded software, and hardware/software integration
• Hands‑on experience debugging embedded systems in lab environments using electronic test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers)
• Experience with serial communication protocols (e.g., RS-232, RS-422, RS-485)
• Experience with packet‑based communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP)
• Experience with Git‑based platforms (e.g., GitLab, GitHub)
• Experience independently collaborating on cross‑disciplinary engineering teams
• Strong communication, coordination, and presentation skills

Preferences:

• Experience supporting human spaceflight or exploration programs
• Experience with embedded software frameworks
• Experience with device driver development
• Experience with SpaceWire or similar space communication protocols
• Experience with logging frameworks and software diagnostics architecture
• Experience with unit testing frameworks (e.g., xUnit)
• Experience with Windows and POSIX‑based operating systems
• Experience with containerization (e.g., Docker)
• Experience in Agile/Scrum development environments
• Familiarity with CMMI frameworks
• MS degree in a STEM field

Essential Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Applicant selected may be subject to government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Work may involve sitting for extended periods.
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lb.
• Must have sufficient mobility to enter areas of test facilities where necessary.
• Generally, an office environment but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
• Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, fax, etc.)
• Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical.
• Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements when required.
• Must be able to work in a team atmosphere.
• Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation.
• Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
• Thispositionmayrequiresomecommutingand travelingto other installations as needed.

Barrios Technology is a drug‑free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in several states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre‑employment drug test is a condition of employment.

Barrios Technology is an Equal Employment Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.