Flight Software Engineer

NewSpace Technical; Orlando, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NewSpace Technical is seeking a Flight Software Engineer with 7+ years' aerospace experience to develop and maintain onboard flight software for a space-based LiDAR payload running on embedded Linux. You will help transition a prototype LiDAR system to flight, ensuring tight hardware-software integration and reliable in-orbit performance.

Responsibilities include designing and testing software, leading HW/SW integration, and developing interfaces (CAN/UART/Ethernet) while following space

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S./Ph.D. with aerospace/space software experience as specified.
• Experience with embedded Linux and hardware-software integration is required.
• Python for test automation and mission tools; Git for version control.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test flight software for a LiDAR payload in an embedded Linux environment.
• Lead hardware-software integration across onboard computers, sensors and payload subsystems.
• Develop interfaces and protocols (CAN, UART, Ethernet, TCP/UDP, HTTP/REST).
• Implement system health monitoring, readiness checks, retry logic, and fault handling.
• Support verification and validation during integration and testing campaigns.
• Define software architecture, logging, and version control practices.

Skills

Embedded Linux

Hardware-software integration

CAN

UART

Ethernet

Python

Git

Debugging

Education

B.S. in Computer Science or Software Engineering

M.S./Ph.D. in related field (plus 5 years)

Tools

Yocto

Petalinux

Job description

Flight Software Engineer – Space Systems
Location: Orlando, FL (Onsite)

Full Time, Permanent Role

Our client is a rapidly growing space technology startup seeking a Flight Software Engineer with 7+ years of experience to join their team. This role focuses on developing and maintaining onboard flight software for a cutting-edge space-based LiDAR payload running on a real-time/embedded Linux system.

Working at the intersection of spacecraft and ground systems, you will play a key role in transitioning a LiDAR system from prototype to flight, ensuring tight hardware-software integration and reliable in-orbit performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test flight software for a LiDAR payload operating in an embedded Linux environment
• Lead hardware-software integration across onboard computers, sensors, and payload subsystems
• Develop and maintain communication interfaces and protocols (CAN, UART, Ethernet, TCP/UDP, HTTP/REST)
• Implement system health monitoring, readiness checks, retry logic, and fault handling
• Support verification and validation activities during integration and testing campaigns
• Define and maintain software architecture, logging practices, and version control processes
• Participate in code reviews and uphold software quality standards
• Produce documentation aligned with space industry standards
• Contribute to orbit-related functionality such as propagation, state estimation, TLE-based modelling, GPS integration, and use of spacecraft position/attitude data
• Work with embedded Linux distributions (e.g., Yocto, Petalinux or similar)

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field + 7 years’ experience, or M.S./Ph.D. + 5 years in aerospace/space software
• Strong experience developing software for embedded Linux systems
• Solid understanding of hardware-software integration in embedded or spaceborne environments
• Experience using Python for test automation, ground systems, or mission operations tools
• Familiarity with communication protocols (CAN, UART, Ethernet) and version control (Git)
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills in lab, bench, or hardware-in-the-loop environments

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with embedded Linux frameworks (Yocto, Petalinux, etc.)
• Exposure to flight software frameworks (e.g., NASA cFS, ESA frameworks, or similar)
• Knowledge of space industry standards (e.g., ECSS) and software verification practices
• Experience debugging in simulation or hardware-in-the-loop environments

Additional Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability and willingness to work onsite in Orlando, FL

NewSpace Technical – sister company of rise technical