Principal Flight Software Engineer

Principal Flight Software EngineerLocation: Austin, Texas (Onsite) Type: Permanent, full-timeBuilding satellites is one thing. Commanding and controlling them once they are in orbit is another.We are working with a high growth American aerospace and defence communications company that designs, manufactures and tests advanced communication systems and satellites entirely in US facilities. This is a business scaling fast, with more customer demand across government, defence and commercial aerospace than they can currently handle.Their flagship satellite programme launches its first mission in October this year, with 8 launches secured through 2029. It is one of the largest, most powerful LEO satellites being built.They are now looking for a Principal Flight Software Engineer to act as technical leader for spacecraft flight software on this programme. This is a small, high impact team building many systems from scratch, working in a fast-iteration environment where requirements evolve and engineers own real subsystems rather than a slice of one.What you'll be doing:Acting as technical leader for spacecraft flight software, from architecture through to in-orbit operationsWriting embedded C code from scratch for real-time command and control of the satelliteWorking within the NASA cFS (Core Flight System) frameworkReviewing code and system designs, and analysing code for efficiency, stability and scalabilityHands-on development and troubleshooting of software systems and hardware, including motors and power distribution unitsSupporting software quality assurance and optimising I/O performanceSupporting integration, test and mission operationsWorking closely with GNC, hardware and mission operations teamsAssessing third-party and open-source software for use across the platformPresenting design review material to customers and the executive team, and contributing to proposal-writing effortsMentoring junior engineers and acting as a subject matter expert across the software teamWhat we're looking for:9+ years of industry experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 7+ years with a Master's, in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Computer EngineeringSatellite or spacecraft flight software experience, ideally with prior tech lead or subsystem ownershipStrong hands-on C programmingC++Experience developing multiple flight software systemsHands-on development and troubleshooting of software systems and hardwareComfortable working with changing requirements and fast iteration cyclesExperience interfacing a variety of open-source software to create an integrated systemFamiliarity with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools and peer reviewExcellent understanding of multi-threaded applications and resource managementExcellent written and verbal communication skills, this role includes customer facing design reviewsNice to have:Experience with NASA cFS specificallyExperience operating systems you have built through to productionBroader embedded systems experience across C and C++Familiarity with ARM processors and fully-featured microcontrollersExperience with satellite operations or mission data systems, including COSMOSExperience designing and developing a Software Development Kit (SDK)Ability to read electronics schematics and component data sheetsWhy join:Be part of a confirmed, launching mission, not a roadmap promiseSmall team structure with genuine ownership of systems end to endFull-time employment includes company stock options and a generous benefits package covering health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plansPlease note: due to US Government Space Technology Export Regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee or refugee, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorisations from the U.S. Department of State.Apply now or contact Ciara Holmes at EVONA for a confidential conversation.