Senior Flight Software Engineer

Astro Mechanica; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) program with stock options

Flexible time-off policy including PTO and sick time

Flexible work environment

Company-funded perks including team lunches

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology company in San Francisco is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to develop control software for their cutting-edge aerospace products. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in software development, especially in C++ or Rust. This role emphasizes collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams in a dynamic startup environment. Enjoy generous perks like comprehensive health care and a flexible work environment.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of software development experience; or 6+ years of professional software development experience.
• Experience building or working with real-time systems or distributed computing systems.
• Experience working on embedded systems or the Linux kernel.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems and the simulations required to validate them.
• Own all aspects of software development including design, test, and operations.
• Work closely with other engineering disciplines to design and develop overall aircraft systems.

Skills

C++

Rust

Debugging skills

Performance optimization

Unit testing

Real-time systems

Distributed computing

Embedded systems

Linux kernel

Basic knowledge in controls

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or Science discipline

Job description

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—which include Duality™, our proprietary dual‑use propulsion system—with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high‑speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.

WHO WE ARE:

We're a team of hardcore engineers who live and breathe aerospace. We’re generalists who each have subject matter expertise and operate in a flat organizational structure. We move fast and build world‑changing technology in a pragmatic and competent workplace culture.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is excited to develop software that is used to control and fly our products. You will have the opportunity to help architect the full software stack including application, operating system, networking, and firmware. You will work closely with your peers to define and implement the requirements and overall software scope. Your work at Astro Mechanica will be fast‑paced in a dynamic startup environment and will have a direct impact on our mission.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems and the simulations/ infrastructure required to validate them
• Own all aspects of software development including design, test, and operations
• Work closely with other engineering disciplines to design and develop the overall aircraft systems

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or a Science discipline and 4+ years of software development experience; or 6+ years of professional software development experience
• Experience in C++, Rust, or other systems programming language
• Experience building or working with real‑time systems or distributed computing systems
• Experience working on embedded systems or the Linux kernel
• Proven skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
• Basic knowledge in controls, fluid systems, motors, or other physical mechanics

PERKS AND BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
• Self‑managed and flexible time‑off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
• Flexible work environment
• Company‑funded perks, including weekly team lunches and Astro Mechanica swag

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in‑office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.