Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software

Astranis Space Technologies; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity package

Company-subsidized healthcare

Flexible PTO

Free on-site catered meals

Job summary

Astranis Space Technologies is hiring a Senior Flight Software Engineer in San Francisco, California. In this role, you will develop software for advanced satellites, enhance reliability, and mentor junior engineers. Candidates should have 5-8 years of experience in C++ or C development, experience with communication protocols, and a passion for space technology. The position offers a competitive salary range from $150,000 to $220,000, along with an equity package and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of experience developing software for products in modern C++ or C.
• Familiar with software development methodologies and design patterns.
• Passionate about space technology.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for the flight computer on our satellites.
• Mentor junior engineers.
• Collaborate with multiple teams (avionics, ground control, telemetry).

Skills

Software development in C++ or C

Communication protocols (TCP/IP, I2C, SPI)

Mentorship of junior engineers

High-availability systems

Writing skills

Tools

Embedded Linux

Python

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly‑sophisticated customers across the globe—large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.

Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Senior Flight Software Engineer

As a Senior Software Engineer – Embedded at Astranis, you will assist with architecture, high‑level design choices, development, execution, and implementation of the flight software that commands and monitors the spacecraft. You will also mentor junior members and collaborate with other teams to ensure that the software implemented works on their hardware. This role will contribute to both commercial and US Government programs.

Role

• Develop software for the flight computer on our satellites
• Develop firmware for control boards on the satellite
• Improve and deliver reliable software through requirements generation, continuous integration, automated testing, and code reviews
• Collaborate with multiple teams (avionics, ground control, telemetry)
• Develop software in C++ to interface with the flight computer and custom hardware on the vehicle
• Deliver complex projects through incremental development
• Mentor junior engineers

Requirements

• 5–8+ years of experience developing software for products in modern C++ or C
• Familiarity with software development methodologies and design patterns
• Experience working on communication protocols (TCP/IP, I2C, SPI)
• Good communication and written skills
• Passionate about space technology
• Experience building high‑availability/high‑reliability systems

Bonus

• Experience with embedded Linux / POSIX systems
• Experience with Python
• Experience developing on and for VxWorks, Linux, FreeRTOS, or QNX environments
• Demonstrated experience building, testing, and shipping production software
• Experience with safety‑critical development (FDA, FAA, automotive)
• Experience with board bring‑up, debugging, and integration of hardware and software

What we offer

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits. Base pay is just one component of Astranis’s total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high‑quality company‑subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on‑site catered meals. Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional‑grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the scope of the position.

Base Salary

$150,000—$220,000 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, Or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.