Software Integration Engineer

Apera; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera is seeking a Software Integration Engineer to lead the bring-up, integration, and testing of flight automation systems aboard test aircraft. You will work at the intersection of software, hardware, and autonomy, using real flight data to drive improvements.

You will develop C++ and Python tools, run flight test campaigns, and collaborate with controls, software, and systems teams to ensure readiness and robust performance in a hands-on, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in a hardware-interfacing software role.
• Experience with real-time or safety-critical software.
• Ability to debug complex integrated systems near hardware.

Responsibilities

• Own bring-up, integration, and checkout of GNC and flight automation software on test aircraft.
• Develop and execute flight test cards to characterize performance and autonomy features.
• Investigate and resolve flight test issues with cross-functional teams.
• Support flight readiness and configuration management reviews.
• Build and improve software tests frameworks and processes.
• Develop automated testing and simulation tools to validate flight automation before flight.

Skills

GNC

Flight test

Embedded systems

Real-time software

Networking

Fault tolerance

System design

Independent work

Hands-on mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

C++

Python

Bazel

Messaging frameworks

Simulation tools

Job description

A leading advanced aviation company is looking for a Software Integration Engineer to play a key role in developing, integrating, and testing cutting-edge flight automation systems.

This is a hands-on role at the intersection of software, hardware, flight controls, and autonomy.

You’ll work directly with test aircraft, taking software from development through integration and flight, and using real-world flight data to understand performance, uncover limitations, and drive improvements.

Responsibilities

• Own the bring-up, integration, and checkout of GNC and flight automation software on test aircraft
• Develop, review, and execute flight test cards to characterize GNC performance, stability margins, guidance accuracy, and autonomy features
• Investigate and resolve flight test issues, working closely with flight controls, software, systems, and other engineering teams
• Support flight readiness reviews, test readiness reviews, and configuration management
• Build and improve software and systems test frameworks and processes
• Develop automated testing and simulation tools to validate flight automation behaviour before it reaches the aircraft
• Contribute to flight controls and mission management software development in C++ where needed to support the test campaign
• Develop Python tools for pre-flight predictions, real-time monitoring, and post-flight analysis
• Compare simulation predictions against flight data to identify discrepancies and improve models
• Develop, debug, integrate, and optimize embedded software across hardware and software boundaries
• 2+ years of professional experience and a bachelor’s degree
• Experience working close to hardware and debugging complex integrated systems
• Experience with real-time or safety-critical software
• Strong software engineering fundamentals, including networking, fault tolerance, and system design
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies and apply them across different engineering problems
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• A hands-on mindset and a willingness to get close to the hardware and the aircraft

Nice to Have

• Experience working in aerospace or flight test
• Experience with mission management, robotics, or autonomous systems, including path planning, contingency management, or decision-making
• Familiarity with the Bazel build system
• Experience with messaging frameworks for distributed systems

Export Control

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements. Candidates must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15, including US citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.