Principal Flight Software Engineer

Astro Digital; Littleton (CO); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Healthcare

401k retirement plan

PTO

Job summary

Astro Digital in Littleton, Colorado, seeks a Principal Flight Software Engineer to lead development of spacecraft flight software, architecting real-time systems and guiding integration across programs. You will code in modern C++ and ensure robust, scalable software that operates onboard throughout mission lifecycles.

In this hybrid role, you will mentor engineers, establish coding standards, and collaborate with teams across Denver/San Jose facilities while remaining hands-on with system

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 14+ years of experience in spacecraft flight software development.
• Real-time, multi-threaded systems and hardware/software integration.
• Expert-level proficiency with modern C++ (C++17 or later).
• Expert knowledge of communication standards and protocols (RS422/485, TCP, UDP, SLIP, CCSDS).
• Experience with Linux device drivers and board support packages.
• Experience with software development lifecycle, configuration management, and version control tools (e.g., Git).
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Work out of the Denver area or San Jose area.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy flight software for spacecraft and hosted payloads.
• Implement software using modern C++ for real-time Linux applications.
• Serve as the technical authority for spacecraft flight software architecture, design, implementation, and validation.
• Establish software development standards, coding guidelines, verification processes, and engineering best practices.
• Mentor and develop flight software engineers, fostering technical excellence and engineering rigor.

Skills

C++ (Modern)

Real-time systems

Multi-threading

Linux

Git

Communication protocols

Mentoring

Engineering leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software/EE/CS

Tools

Flight software frameworks

BSPs

Linux device drivers

Job description

Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business applications, including earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Astro Digital is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado with 100+ employees and infrastructure around the globe.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Flight Software Engineer to join our team developing mission-critical software for satellite systems. In this role, you will serve as both a senior individual contributor and technical leader for the development of spacecraft flight software. You will be responsible for architecting, designing, implementing, validating, and sustaining mission-critical application software that operates onboard spacecraft throughout all phases of a mission lifecycle. This individual will provide technical leadership across multiple programs, influence engineering strategy, mentor team members, and establish software development best practices while remaining hands‑on with system architecture, code development, and integration.

We offer a hybrid schedule that blends in‑person collaboration from either our Littleton, CO or San Jose, CA facility, and remote flexibility.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy flight software for spacecraft and hosted payloads including for command and telemetry processing, power control, thermal management, communications, fault management, onboard autonomy, mission sequencing, and payload operations
• Implement software using modern C++ for real‑time, multi‑threaded Linux applications
• Serve as the technical authority for spacecraft flight software architecture, design, implementation, and validation
• Establish software development standards, coding guidelines, verification processes, and engineering best practices
• Mentor and develop flight software engineers, fostering technical excellence and engineering rigor

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 14+ years of experience in spacecraft flight software development
• Strong understanding of real‑time, multi‑threaded systems and hardware/software integration
• Expert‑level proficiency with modern C++ (version 17 or later)
• Expert knowledge of communication standards and protocols (e.g. RS422/485, TCP, UDP, SLIP, CCSDS)
• Experience with Linux device drivers and board support packages
• Experience with software development lifecycle, configuration management, and version control tools (e.g., Git)
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Work out of the Denver area or San Jose area

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a variety of flight software frameworks
• Experience with ASI's MAX Flight Software
• Experience with spacecraft operations
• Experience leading technical teams

Pay Transparency

Astro Digital employees are provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes company stock options, healthcare, 401k retirement plan, and PTO. The range of possible compensation for this role is $170k-$230k annually, depending on candidate experience, alignment, and location.

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 20 Lbs. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required.

Export Statement

This position requires access to export‑controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 22 CFR §120.15 and 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.