Principal Software Engineer

InnoForge; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful equity

Multi-year funding

Real ownership and impact

Job summary

A leading space technology company is looking for a Principal Flight Software Engineer to design and develop mission-critical flight software. You will architect real-time systems for a unique space-based project that impacts future capabilities in space operations. The ideal candidate should have at least 7 years of experience with embedded software, particularly in aerospace or defense, and a strong background in C/C++. This full-time role offers meaningful equity and the chance to shape a pioneering system in the defense sector.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in embedded or real-time software development.
• Experience with mission-critical systems in aerospace or defense.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement real-time flight software.
• Lead design reviews and system-level performance.
• Support testing in hardware-in-the-loop environments.

Skills

Embedded software development

C/C++ proficiency

Real-time system knowledge

Guidance, navigation & control

Fault management

Job description

Principal Flight Software Engineer

This range is provided by InnoForge. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$180,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr

InnoForge are partnering with a venture-backed space and national security company developing a first-of-its-kind space-based system that redefines how assets are deployed, maneuvered and operated in orbit.

We’re seeking a Principal Flight Software Engineer to lead the design and development of mission‑critical flight software for a novel, propellant‑free electromechanical deployment and interceptor system. This technology underpins a new generation of space architectures focused on scalability, affordability, and operational surprise.

You’ll work in a fast-moving, cleared prototyping environment, taking hardware from prototype through flight demonstration and into operational deployment.

This is a rare opportunity to own software architecture end‑to‑end for a system that will fly and directly shape future space and missile‑defense capability.

What You’ll Do

• Architect, implement, and deliver real‑time flight software supporting guidance, navigation & control, autonomy, telemetry, and fault management.
• Own software architecture and system‑level performance for a first‑of‑its‑kind space system.
• Lead technical design reviews, verification, validation, and integration with hardware and GNC teams.
• Develop high‑reliability embedded software in C/C++ (and/or Rust) within RTOS or bare‑metal environments.
• Drive software processes, mentor engineers, and establish best practices as the system matures toward flight.
• Support hardware‑in‑the‑loop, spacecraft‑in‑the‑loop, and flight testing in an agile, prototype‑driven program.

What You Bring

• 7+ years of experience developing embedded or real‑time software for space, aerospace, defense, or other mission‑critical systems.
• Deep proficiency in C/C++ and a strong understanding of deterministic, real‑time system behavior.
• Experience owning software across the full lifecycle — from early concept through integration, test, and operations.
• Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast‑paced environments where first‑principles thinking is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required).

Why This Role

• Work on a system that does not exist anywhere else today
• Clear roadmap to a 2027 flight demonstration
• Multi‑year funding and government backing
• Meaningful equity offered to early technical leaders
• Real ownership, real hardware, real impact

If you’re motivated by hard problems, real missions, and the chance to build something that will define a new category in space operations, we’d love to speak with you.

Contact InnoForge in confidence to learn more.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Defense and Space Manufacturing
Space Research and Technology

Location

Santa Monica, CA