Flight Software Engineer

Impulse Space; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision & dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Impulse Space in Redondo Beach is hiring a Flight Software Engineer to design and develop software for spacecraft. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering and at least 4 years of C/C++ programming experience in embedded systems. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure high-performance software delivery for our space vehicles. Compensation ranges from $120,000 to $180,000 annually, with additional benefits including stock options and medical coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related.
• 4+ years of C/C++ experience in embedded systems.
• Understanding of computer architecture and data structures.
• Experience with Real Time Operating Systems.
• Familiarity with version control and software best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate software for space vehicles.
• Implement features meeting performance requirements.
• Develop algorithms for anomaly detection.
• Conduct code reviews for safety and reliability.
• Support mission operations and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Real-time operating systems

Embedded systems

Computer architecture

Data structures

Computer networking

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Version control systems

Test case management

Job description

Compensation: $120,000 - $180,000 / year

Department: Software

Location: Redondo Beach

Description

As a Flight Software Engineer at Impulse, you will design, develop, and integrate the software that powers our Space Vehicles. You will work closely with avionics engineers, GNC engineers, propulsion engineers, and other cross‑disciplinary teams to deliver high‑reliability, high‑performance software for in‑space transportation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, implementation, integration, and verification of software for:
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms
  • Command and telemetry handling
  • Mission sequencing, autonomy, and fault management
  • Closed‑loop control of propulsion, attitude control, and other time‑critical systems
• Implement features for Impulse’s real‑time flight software framework to meet deterministic performance requirements in space environments.
• Develop detection and mitigation algorithms for anomalies such as sensor failures, actuator malfunctions, or radiation‑induced faults.
• Direct and participate in code reviews, ensuring compliance with software safety, reliability, and maintainability standards.
• Support mission operations and troubleshoot real‑time issues during ground integration, environmental testing, and on‑orbit operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related degrees
• 4+ years writing C/C++ code for an embedded system or vehicle of some kind (robot, car, drone, spacecraft, etc)
• Demonstrated understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, data structures, and computer networking
• Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux
• Experience using version control, test cases, and other software best practices

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Proven track record delivering flight software for spacecraft— including launch vehicles, OTVs, upper stages, or other in‑space propulsion systems.
• Familiarity with NASA cFS, ROS2, or custom middleware for space applications.
• Expertise in designing software for deterministic timing and hard real‑time constraints.
• Participation in successful integration, testing, launch, and mission operations of a space vehicle.

Additional Information

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full‑time hires, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as a 401(k) retirement plan.

Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.