Flight Software Engineer II
On-siteRockville, Maryland, United States
Job Summary
Flight Software Engineer II responsible for designing, developing, integrating, and testing embedded software powering spacecraft and payload systems running VxWorks and Linux. Collaborate across avionics, payload, propulsion, and GNC leads to implement subsystem behaviors, develop flight and payload software for embedded systems, and design scheduling logic, command sequences, and autonomous behaviors. Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, system integration, and functional verification; document software behaviors and interfaces for cross-functional alignment; operate in a schedule-driven, rapid development environment. Requires BS in CS/CE or related field, strong C++ and Python skills, Linux experience, Git/GitLab, and Agile processes; familiarity with spacecraft interfaces and RTOS such as VxWorks. Nice-to-have: extended C++ experience, prior flight software or spacecraft tool development, embedded systems background, containerization with Docker, and knowledge of I2C, RS-422/485, LVDS, SpaceWire, MIL-1553, Ethernet, and Rocket Lab MAX FSW.
Required Qualifications
- BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
- 3+ years of experience with C++ or another object-oriented programming language
- Proficiency in Python for scripting, testing, and automation
- Strong experience working in a Linux development environment, including but not limited to: Shell scripting (bash), Networking/IP, Serial/UART interactions, System-level debugging
- Experience with Git and Git-based workflows such as GitLab
- Familiarity with Agile software development processes
- Ability to rapidly understand, navigate, and contribute to a large, previously developed codebase
- Nice to Have: 5+ years of C++ development experience
- Experience developing flight software or other spacecraft-related software (ground tools, test frameworks, payload apps)
- Background in embedded systems development
- Experience with Docker or other containerization tools
- Familiarity with common spacecraft interfaces such as I2C, RS-422/485, LVDS, SpaceWire, MIL-1553, Ethernet
- Experience with Rocket Lab MAX FSW
- Hands-on experience with VxWorks or other real-time operating systems (RTOS)
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