Flight Software Engineer

Flight Software Engineer📍 San Francisco, California (Hybrid)💰 $130,000 - $160,000 + Equity🛰️ Flight Software | Satellite Systems | Spacecraft OperationsI'm currently supporting an exciting Seed-stage aerospace company that is developing a next-generation satellite platform and is looking to hire a Flight Software Engineer to join its growing team in San Francisco.Having recently secured an oversubscribed $10M Seed round led by Balerion Space Ventures, the company is entering a critical growth phase as it progresses towards deploying a fundamentally new approach to spacecraft attitude control.This is a rare opportunity to join a highly technical team at an early stage and build software that will directly operate spacecraft in orbit.About the CompanyThe company is developing a modular satellite platform centred around a proprietary attitude control technology that challenges traditional spacecraft design.Rather than relying on conventional reaction wheel systems, their patented architecture integrates actuators directly into deployable solar arrays, reducing mass, improving reliability, and increasing pointing precision.The long-term vision is to enable more scalable, efficient, and reliable satellite constellations while reducing the complexity and failure points associated with traditional spacecraft architectures.With a team of approximately 15 people, engineers joining today have the opportunity to make a significant impact on both the technology and future direction of the company.The OpportunityYou'll join the Flight Software team responsible for building the software stack that runs directly on the spacecraft flight computer.The software environment is built around Embedded Linux and a service-oriented architecture written primarily in Rust. The team is developing the systems responsible for spacecraft operations, attitude control functionality, subsystem communications, reliability, and ground system integration.This is not a traditional backend software role.The software you build will directly influence how the spacecraft thinks, communicates, operates, and performs its mission in orbit.Working closely with software, controls, embedded, and hardware engineers, you'll have visibility across the entire spacecraft stack and contribute to the development of genuinely novel space technology.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and maintain flight software running on spacecraft systemsBuild and enhance Rust-based services operating on Embedded LinuxDesign and implement service-oriented software architecturesSupport spacecraft attitude control and mission-critical functionalityDevelop interfaces between onboard systems and ground infrastructureWrite and maintain Linux drivers and low-level software componentsImprove software reliability, observability, testing, and fault toleranceCollaborate closely with controls, embedded, electrical, and systems engineersContribute to architecture decisions and long-term platform developmentWhat They're Looking For:Essential3+ years of professional software engineering experienceExperience developing software on Embedded LinuxStrong systems programming experienceExperience with Rust, C, or C++Experience building service-oriented or distributed software systemsStrong understanding of memory management, concurrency, and low-level software conceptsExperience designing software interfaces and communication frameworksStrong communication and collaboration skillsHighly DesirableRust development experienceLinux driver developmentgRPC, MQTT, Protobufs, or similar communication technologiesAerospace, space, defence, or UAV experienceFlight software developmentSpacecraft operations experienceAttitude Determination & Control Systems (ADCS) exposureMission-critical or safety-critical software environmentsIdeal BackgroundWe're particularly interested in engineers who enjoy understanding how software interacts with the wider system and who have experience working close to hardware, mission-critical applications, or complex embedded platforms.Candidates from aerospace, space, defence, UAV, and advanced embedded software environments are especially encouraged to apply.Why Join?Build software that directly operates spacecraftWork on genuinely innovative satellite technologyJoin a well-funded company at a pivotal stage of growthHigh ownership and influence within a small engineering teamCollaborate with experienced engineers across software, controls, and hardware disciplinesCompetitive salary and meaningful equity opportunityComprehensive healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k) matchingStudent loan reimbursement supportOpportunity to help shape the future of satellite operationsIf you're passionate about flight software, embedded systems, spacecraft operations, or mission-critical engineering and would like to play a key role in building the next generation of satellite technology, apply now or contact Ciara Holmes at EVONA for more details.