Staff Flight Software Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Equity options

Hybrid work

Unlimited PTO

Health coverage

Cutting-edge tools

Mission-driven culture

Inclusive team

Job summary

Observable Space in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain flight software for spacecraft and telescope platforms. You will work with electrical, mechanical, optical, and software engineers to deliver reliable, fault-tolerant systems for ground-based and space deployments.

The role emphasizes hands-on coding in C/C++, real-time systems, and interfaces with hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/AE or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in software engineering, embedded systems, or systems-level development.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ or similar low-level languages.
• Experience developing software for embedded or hardware-integrated systems.
• Understanding of real-time systems, concurrency, and performance optimization.
• Familiarity with communication protocols and networking fundamentals.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communicator and collaborator.
• Demonstrated passion for aerospace, robotics, or complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop flight software for spacecraft and telescope systems, including command, control, and data handling (C&DH).
• Build and maintain software that interfaces directly with hardware components, sensors, and onboard subsystems.
• Architect systems for high reliability, fault tolerance, and long-duration autonomous operation.
• Implement communication protocols for telemetry, command uplink/downlink, and system coordination.
• Collaborate with electrical and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration between software and physical systems.
• Support hardware bring-up, integration, and debugging at the hardware/software boundary.
• Develop and implement fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) mechanisms.
• Support system testing, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and validation activities.
• Participate in and contribute to design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.) and internal documentation.
• Provide engineering support during integration, testing, and system validation.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded software development

Real-time systems knowledge

Debugging and problem-solving

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

RTOS

Embedded Linux

HIL testing

Job description

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Location: Los Angeles, CA

About Observable Space

At Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD, among others, and power the work of leading research institutions.

We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products. From advanced ground stations, on orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.

Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly-motivated and hands-on Senior Software Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you’ll design, develop, and maintain flight software systems for spacecraft and telescope platforms. You’ll work with a multidisciplinary team of electrical, mechanical, optical, and software engineers to deliver reliable, fault-tolerant systems for ground-based and potential future space-based deployment.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop flight software for spacecraft and telescope systems, including command, control, and data handling (C&DH).

• Build and maintain software that interfaces directly with hardware components, sensors, and onboard subsystems.

• Architect systems for high reliability, fault tolerance, and long-duration autonomous operation.

• Implement communication protocols for telemetry, command uplink/downlink, and system coordination.

• Collaborate with electrical and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration between software and physical systems.

• Support hardware bring-up, integration, and debugging at the hardware/software boundary.

• Develop and implement fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) mechanisms.

• Support system testing, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and validation activities.

• Participate in and contribute to design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.) and internal documentation.

• Provide engineering support during integration, testing, and system validation.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering, embedded systems, or systems-level development.

• Strong programming skills in C/C++ or similar low-level languages.

• Experience developing software for embedded or hardware-integrated systems.

• Understanding of real-time systems, concurrency, and performance optimization.

• Familiarity with communication protocols and networking fundamentals.

• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills.

• Effective communicator and collaborator.

• Demonstrated passion for aerospace, robotics, or complex systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing flight software for spacecraft, satellites, or aerospace systems.

• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or embedded Linux environments.

• Understanding of fault-tolerant system design and reliability engineering.

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and simulation environments.

• Familiarity with space communication standards (e.g., CCSDS).

• Experience working in fast-paced, early-stage or startup environments.

• Basic scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB) for testing or data analysis.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Competitive Compensation – A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.

• Equity Opportunities – Take part in our success with stock options.

• Flexible Work Environment – Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)

• Unlimited PTO – Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.

• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.

• Cutting-Edge Tools – Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.

• Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.

• Inclusive Team – We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.