Strategic Software Development Engineer

York Space Systems; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

Paid holidays

Unlimited PTO

401(k) match

Job summary

York Space Systems seeks cross-domain software engineers to join a small, empowered team focused on rapid prototyping and advanced development across York’s software portfolio. You’ll work from embedded to full stack, onboard real-time code to ML components, and push prototypes toward production.

You’ll own problems end to end, select the right tools, and help hand mature prototypes off to production programs in a dynamic, mission-driven environment in Laurel, MD.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Advanced degree is a plus.
• 3+ years in software engineering or software related applications.
• Proven track record delivering aerospace software and prototypes to production.
• Active Secret clearance, or eligibility and willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and build software across embedded, full stack, and autonomy to prove out new capabilities quickly.
• Take problems from concept to working demonstration, then to production-ready handoffs as they mature.
• Pick the right tools, framework, and architecture for the job — and learn new ones as needed.
• Partner with program and engineering teams to transition proven prototypes into York's production programs.
• Contribute to lightweight engineering practices; write clean code and documentation for adoption.
• Explore autonomy, ML, and modern tooling to address real mission needs.
• Ship demonstrations and take ownership in a small team with minimal overhead.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Linux

Embedded/RTOS

Full stack web

ROS 2

ML frameworks

Education

BS in Computer Science/Software/ Aerospace or related

Tools

ROS 2

cFS

ML frameworks

Job description

Laurel, MD, 7901 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel, Maryland, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 4:00 AM

York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next- generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York’s complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York’s existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively. We’re looking to expand our team across the board.

York is seeking a talented, cross-domain software engineers to join a small, empowered strategic development team focused on rapid prototyping and advanced development across York’s software portfolio. This team operates ahead of program need proving out new capabilities, de-risking emerging technology, and maturing prototypes to the point where they can transition into production programs. Scope spans across York software: Full stack web development, onboard embedded and real-time software, ground and cloud applications and tooling, and autonomy and machine learning.

This is a role for engineers who don't want to be boxed into a single layer. In a given quarter you might write real-time embedded code, build a full stack tool to visualize its output, and stand up an autonomy or ML component that ties them together, and then push it to simulation and ultimately space. We care about range, judgment, and the ability to reach a working demonstration more than years on any one stack. You'll own problems end to end, help pick the right tools, and hand mature prototypes off to the programs that will fly it.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and build software across embedded, full stack, and autonomy to prove out new capabilities quickly
• Take problems from concept to working demonstration, then to production-ready handoffs as they mature
• Pick the right tools, framework, and architecture for the job — and learn new ones as needed
• Partner with program and engineering teams to transition proven prototypes into York's production programs
• Contribute to the team's lightweight engineering practices; write code and documentation clean enough for others to adopt
• Explore emerging technology — autonomy, ML, modern tooling — and turn it into something that addresses a real mission need
• Ship demonstrations and take direct ownership of your work in a small team with minimal overhead

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field; advanced degree is a plus
• 3+ years in software engineering or software related application
• Proven track record developing and delivering aerospace software, and taking prototypes through to production
• Cross-domain range: depth in at least one of embedded/real-time, full stack, or autonomy/ML — and the ability and appetite to work across the others
• Proficiency with C/C++, Python, C#, and Linux; experience with Rust, modern other web/cloud stacks, ROS 2, cFS, or ML frameworks a plus
• A bias toward working software and demonstrations over process; comfort with ambiguity and self-direction
• Fast learner who picks up unfamiliar stacks, domains, and problem spaces quickly
• Aerospace, robotics, or other real-time or safety-relevant experience a plus, but not required
• Active Secret clearance, or eligibility and willingness to obtain one

Willingness to work full-time in our Laurel, MD office; this position does not support remote or hybrid work.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance.

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (subject to spousal surcharge).
• Company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Generous 401(k) match.

York Space Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Must have permanent authorization to work in the United States. This policy applies to all terms and conditions or employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. YORK SPACE SYSTEMS IS AN EEO EMPLOYER.