Senior Flight Software Engineer — Spacecraft Autonomy

Digitailor; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Parental leave

Daily lunch

Job summary

Apex is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to craft flight software for spacecraft, collaborating with mission operations, GNC, and hardware teams. You will architect, prototype, and deliver mission-critical software that operates in space 24/7 across all mission phases.

We value engineers who balance rigor with practicality and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Experience in space is not required, and the role offers a path to impact across customer missions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years writing C/C++ for embedded systems, ideally spacecraft or robotics.
• Bachelor’s degree in CS, EE, or equivalent.
• Strong proficiency in C++, Python, or Rust; RTOS experience.
• Experience with microcontrollers, firmware bring-up, and hardware integration.
• Knowledge of CCSDS, space standards, and mission-critical software.

Responsibilities

• Develop low-level software for processor peripherals and interfaces.
• Write and debug device drivers for sensors, actuators, and components.
• Implement onboard algorithms, fault detection, and fault response logic.
• Own software lifecycle from architecture to deployment and operations.
• Plan unit, integration, and system-level testing across satellite components.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded systems

Python

RTOS

Device drivers

Hardware integration

Git & CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's in CS/EE

MS preferred

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Schematic reading

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Yocto/Buildroot

Job description

Apex is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to craft flight software for spacecraft, collaborating with mission operations, GNC, and hardware teams. You will architect, prototype, and deliver mission-critical software that operates in space 24/7 across all mission phases.

We value engineers who balance rigor with practicality and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Experience in space is not required, and the role offers a path to impact across customer missions.