Flight Software Engineer II

Quantum Space; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity sharing

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Quantum Space in Rockville, MD, Hawthorne, CA, or Denver, CO seeks a Flight Software Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and test embedded software powering our spacecraft and payload systems. You will work across subsystem teams to implement flight behaviors, command sequences, and on-orbit functionality in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

You will collaborate with avionics, payload, propulsion, and GNC leads to implement subsystem behaviors in flight software, and with mission

Qualifications

• BS in CS/CE or related field.
• 3+ years of C++ or OO programming.
• Proficiency in Python for scripting and testing.
• Linux development experience including shell scripting, networking, and UART interfaces.
• Experience with Git and GitLab workflows.
• Familiarity with Agile software development processes.
• Ability to rapidly understand large codebases.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test embedded flight software for spacecraft and payloads.
• Collaborate across avionics, payload, propulsion, and GNC teams to implement flight behaviors and command sequences.
• Work with mission operations and ground software on scheduling logic and autonomous behaviors.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing and functional verification of software.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

Shell scripting

Networking

Git

Agile

RTOS

Education

BS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Tools

GitLab

Docker

Job description

Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA or Denver, CO

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and test embedded software that powers our spacecraft and payload systems. You will work across subsystem teams to implement flight behaviors, command sequences, and on-orbit functionality that directly impact mission success. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, iterative environment and who enjoys working at the interface of software, hardware, and operations.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

• Develop flight and payload software for embedded spacecraft systems running VxWorks and Linux.
• Debug and integrate software with hardware subsystems across a variety of communication interfaces and protocols.
• Collaborate with avionics, payload, propulsion, and GNC leads to implement subsystem behaviors in flight software.
• Work with mission operations and ground software teams to design scheduling logic, command sequences, and autonomous behaviors.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, system integration, and functional verification of spacecraft software.
• Document software behaviors, interfaces, and workflows to ensure cross-functional alignment across engineering teams.
• Operate effectively in a schedule-driven, rapid development environment

What It Takes

• BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience with C++ or another object-oriented programming language
• Proficiency in Python for scripting, testing, and automation
• Strong experience working in a Linux development environment, including but not limited to:
• Shell scripting (bash)
• Networking/IP
• Serial/UART interactions
• Experience with Git and Git-based workflows such as GitLab
• Familiarity with Agile software development processes
• Ability to rapidly understand, navigate, and contribute to a large, previously developed codebase

Nice-to-Have Experience

• 5+ years of C++ development experience
• Experience developing flight software or other spacecraft-related software (ground tools, test frameworks, payload apps)
• Background in embedded systems development
• Experience with Docker or other containerization toolsFamiliarity with common spacecraft interfaces such as I2C, RS-422/485, LVDS, SpaceWire, MIL-1553, Ethernet
• Experience with Rocket Lab MAX FSW
• Hands-on experience with VxWorks or other real-time operating systems (RTOS)

What You’ll Get

• Ownership – Build and shape the core software that executes on orbit and drives our mission capabilities.
• Impact – Contribute directly to spacecraft behavior, autonomy, and mission execution.
• Innovation – Work across hardware, software, and operations to develop the next generation of on-orbit systems.
• Growth – Expand your technical depth in embedded systems, flight software, and spacecraft operations.
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Location: Rockville, MD; or Hawthorne, CA; or Denver, CO

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

As set forth in Quantum Space’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.