Flight Software Engineer
Job description
About the role
This position places you at the center of hardware validation for a defense aviation pioneer. You are responsible for the entire lifecycle of flight control software, from the initial line of code to its deployment on operational aircraft. Your daily work involves converting high-level mission objectives into robust software implementations that allow the airframe to operate at its physical limits. You function as a key integrator, working closely with mechanical engineers, test pilots, and mission planners to ensure each software release directly enhances national defense posture and testing velocity. The role demands a mindset focused on both precision and progress, balancing rigorous safety requirements with the aggressive development cadence required to maintain a technological edge. You will operate in a fast-paced environment where rapid iteration meets strict aviation standards, requiring constant adaptation and meticulous attention to detail. Your contributions will directly influence the capability and reliability of cutting-edge aviation platforms.
Key Facts
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Location: USA
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Engagement: Full-time
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Compensation: Annual salary range of $180,000 to $240,000 USD
What you'll do
- Architect data ingestion frameworks that standardize diverse sensor outputs and command protocols for next-generation evaluation targets.
- Build foundational calculation modules using robust architectural patterns, ensuring flight dynamics models retain clarity and auditability throughout their lifecycle.
- Conduct rigorous reviews of hardware communication pathways to verify that timing requirements are met and data remains uncompromised prior to any flight test.
- Manage the release process, delivering software that adheres to stringent safety certifications while synchronizing with ground station operations and flight test timelines.
- Collaborate with external hardware suppliers to standardize application programming interfaces, data structures, and diagnostic outputs, ensuring sustained reliability in complex operational settings.
- Analyze system pathways to minimize delay in control loops, guaranteeing that aircraft reactions align with predictions even under maximum stress conditions.
- Maintain comprehensive records of structural choices and rationales, enabling future engineers to understand design intent and modify systems with confidence.
- Provide active support during evaluation flights, supplying real-time monitoring, logging, and configuration tools that allow the team to rapidly adjust test parameters.
- Implement testing methodologies that validate software behavior under simulated flight conditions before hardware integration.
- Translate complex mission requirements into executable software components that interface seamlessly with avionics and sensor suites.
- Optimize code paths to ensure deterministic execution, reducing the risk of latency-induced anomalies during critical flight phases.
- Document all development processes to meet regulatory standards and facilitate knowledge transfer across engineering teams.
- Participate in code reviews and technical discussions to uphold software quality and promote best practices across the organization.
- Liaise with systems engineers to ensure software deliverables align with overall vehicle architecture and performance targets.
- Drive the adoption of continuous integration practices to accelerate feedback and improve software stability throughout the development cycle.
Requirements
The candidate must possess direct experience writing low-level code for environments where safety is paramount. A firm understanding of real-time computing principles is mandatory, including task scheduling, interrupt management, and the execution of time-critical operations. You must demonstrate competence in network communication protocols and data encoding standards commonly used in distributed control systems. Your background must include a documented history of professional projects involving flight dynamics or the control of high-velocity platforms. You are expected to hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or possess equivalent practical experience. Proficiency in safety-critical development practices and coding standards is essential for success in this role. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship at this time. Previous exposure to DO-178C or similar certification processes is considered a mandatory qualification.
Nice to have
Experience with engineering simulation software and virtual modeling environments used during the initial stages of vehicle design is highly valued.
Practical notes
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Location: Los Angeles, California
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Engagement: Full-time
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Compensation: Annual salary range of $180,000 to $240,000 USD
- Please verify all compensation and location specifics on the official application portal before submitting your materials.