Strategic Software Development Engineer - Laurel

York Space Systems; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

York Space Systems in Laurel, MD is seeking versatile software engineers to prototype and mature cross-domain software spanning embedded, full-stack, autonomy, and ML. You will own problems end-to-end, connecting real-time code, visualization tools, and production handoffs for spaceflight programs.

The role emphasizes rapid prototyping, selecting right tools, and collaborating with program teams to transition prototypes into York's production programs at pace, with a bias toward working software

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in software engineering or software related applications.
• 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 ability to work across others.
• Proficiency with C/C++, Python, C#, and Linux; ROS 2, cFS, or ML frameworks a plus.
• Active Secret clearance or eligibility and willingness to obtain one.
• Willingness to work full-time in Laurel, MD office; no remote work

Responsibilities

• Prototype and build software across embedded, full stack, and autonomy to prove out new capabilities quickly.
• Take problems from concept to demonstration, then to production-ready handoffs as they mature.
• Choose appropriate tools, frameworks, and architecture for the job and learn new ones as needed.
• Partner with program and engineering teams to transition proven prototypes into production programs.
• Contribute to lightweight engineering practices; write clean code and documentation for others to adopt.
• Explore autonomy, ML, and modern tooling to address real mission needs and ship demonstrations.
• Own your work end-to-end in a small team with minimal overhead.

Job description

York is seeking 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