Flight Software Engineer (All Levels) for Fastwater Staffing and Recruiting

Hikinex; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hikinex is seeking a Flight Software Engineer in Torrance, CA to design, develop, and test real-time embedded flight software powering advanced missile systems. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust, safety-critical software under rigorous lifecycle practices.

The role requires proficiency in C/C++ and RTOS, experience with hardware/software integration, and a Top-Secret clearance or eligibility, with opportunities to contribute to development processes and

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in CS, EE, Aerospace, or related field.
• Open to all experience levels; internships, research, or contributions count.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and RTOS.
• Experience with hardware/software integration and real-time constraints.
• Experience with GNC systems.
• Strong testing practices including simulation and HIL.
• Active or eligible for Top-Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test real-time embedded flight software for missile systems.
• Collaborate with GNC engineers, systems engineers, and hardware teams for seamless integration.
• Implement and maintain software for high-reliability, safety-critical environments.
• Support simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight testing to validate performance.
• Participate in root cause analysis and debugging across software and system interfaces.
• Follow rigorous software lifecycle practices, including configuration management and verification.
• Contribute to defining and improving development processes, tools, and standards.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies and best practices relevant to flight software and real-time systems.

Skills

C/C++

RTOS

GNC

Testing

Problem solving

Teamwork

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in CS/EE/Aerospace

Job description

As a Flight Software Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and testing flight software that powers these advanced systems. You'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-performance, real-time embedded software that operates reliably under extreme conditions.

This is a hands-on role for an engineer who thrives on solving hard problems, building robust systems from the ground up, and moving fast without compromising quality.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and test real-time embedded flight software for missile systems
• Collaborate with GNC engineers, systems engineers, and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration
• Implement and maintain software for high-reliability, safety-critical environments
• Support simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight testing to validate performance
• Participate in root cause analysis and debugging across software and system interfaces
• Follow rigorous software lifecycle practices, including configuration management and verification
• Contribute to defining and improving development processes, tools, and standards
• Stay informed on emerging technologies and best practices relevant to flight software and real-time systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Experience: Open to candidates across all experience levels, from early-career engineers to senior technical contributors. Professional experience, internships, research, open-source contributions, or other hands-on technical work will be considered.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Familiarity with hardware/software integration and real-time system constraints
• Experience working with GNC systems or similar control-intensive applications
• Strong understanding of testing practices including simulation and HIL environments
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment
• Active or eligible for a Top-Secret security clearance

PREFERRED SKILSS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience developing flight software for missile, launch vehicle, or spacecraft systems
• Exposure to FPGA-based systems and embedded software optimization techniques
• Knowledge of secure software development and cybersecurity best practices
• Familiarity with agile or iterative development methodologies
• Hands-on experience with software verification, validation, and integration in defense environments