Sr. Software Engineer (Special Projects)

About the role

You will design and build software and firmware for next-generation avionics systems within the Falcon and Dragon engineering organization. This role requires you to manage the full development lifecycle, from initial implementation and device validation to operational support and troubleshooting for flight hardware. You will own the architecture decisions that bridge low-level firmware with high-level application logic for critical space systems. The position demands rigorous analysis of system interactions to ensure reliability and performance in extreme environments. You will act as a technical lead guiding complex software integrations for aerospace hardware. This role is responsible for translating mission requirements into robust software implementations that meet strict safety and operational standards. You will collaborate with cross-functional partners to define and deliver software solutions that enable successful spaceflight operations.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop high-quality firmware and software for microcontrollers and common processors used in aerospace environments.
• Validate and bring up devices intended for space flight through comprehensive testing and analysis.
• Provide support for launch operations by monitoring and resolving software-related issues in real time.
• Investigate bugs and analyze complex test results to identify root causes and implement fixes.
• Integrate and troubleshoot flight hardware and software systems to ensure seamless operation.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external customers to align technical solutions with mission objectives.
• Implement software components that adhere to strict safety and reliability requirements for flight systems.
• Maintain detailed documentation of design choices, test procedures, and system behavior for future reference.
• Optimize code for performance, memory usage, and power efficiency on embedded platforms.
• Participate in code reviews and technical discussions to uphold software quality standards across the team.
• Support the development of tools and utilities that improve the efficiency of the development and test workflows.
• Contribute to the creation of test plans and validation procedures to verify system correctness.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in engineering, computer science, math, physics, or data science; or 2+ years of professional software development experience.
• 5+ years of experience writing software in C or C++ in demanding technical environments.
• Must hold an active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance to access classified program information.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements for restricted programs.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends to meet mission deadlines during critical project phases.
• Willingness to maintain security protocols and safeguard sensitive information at all times.
• Capability to pass background checks and maintain eligibility for ongoing classified work.
• Readiness to adhere to company policies, engineering standards, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Commitment to safety and quality in all aspects of software development and testing.

Nice to have

• Experience with NXP microcontrollers and related development tools.
• Proficiency in Linux and bash shell scripting for automation and testing.
• Understanding of computer architecture, networks, and verification methodologies.
• Strong fundamentals in C++ and embedded development for resource-constrained systems.

Practical notes

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Salary: $165,000 - $230,000 per year.

• Active clearance holders receive a 10% differential (up to $15,000 annually) upon briefing into a classified program.
• Total rewards include long-term incentives (stock or cash), discretionary bonuses, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), disability/life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• Employment is subject to drug and alcohol testing as part of the pre-employment and ongoing employment process.
• Clearance must be maintained as a condition of employment, and any changes in personal status that could affect eligibility must be reported promptly.
• This role is based in a specific geographic region that requires compliance with local legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Candidates should be prepared for potential travel to support mission-critical activities as needed.
• The position may require participation in training sessions to ensure continued compliance with security and operational standards.