{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"da2db984db55933ed9b7a7c2","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/da2db984db55933ed9b7a7c2","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/da2db984db55933ed9b7a7c2","title":"Lead Flight Software Engineer","description":"Lead Flight Software EngineerEl Segundo, California | Onsite | $240,000 - $285,000 + EquityOne of the most ambitious space engineering opportunities we've been trusted to recruit for.InnoForge is partnering with a venture-backed space technology company that is redefining how spacecraft operate in orbit.Rather than improving today's satellite architecture, they're building an entirely new approach from first principles. The engineering challenges are significant, the pace is fast, and the technology has genuine potential to reshape future space operations.We're looking for a Lead Flight Software Engineer to take ownership of the flight software architecture behind a first-of-its-kind spacecraft platform.This isn't a role for someone looking to maintain existing products. It's for someone who wants to build something that's never existed before.The OpportunityAs the technical lead for flight software, you'll own the architecture, development and integration of mission-critical software responsible for spacecraft control, autonomy, telemetry, command and fault management.Working alongside world-class systems, mechanical, electrical and GNC engineers, you'll help take hardware from concept through to flight.You'll be involved across the complete development lifecycle, from early architecture through integration, validation, testing and ultimately flight operations.You'll Be Responsible ForLeading the design and architecture of embedded flight softwareDeveloping robust real-time software using C/C++ (Rust experience is a bonus)Defining software requirements, interfaces and verification strategiesLeading code reviews, design reviews and engineering best practiceSupporting Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), spacecraft simulation and validationMentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across the software teamWorking closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver flight-ready systemsWe're Looking For5-10+ years developing embedded or real-time softwareStrong C/C++ expertise with Python for tooling or automationExperience across the full software lifecycle, from requirements through deploymentBackground in space, aerospace, robotics, defence or other mission-critical systemsHighly DesirableFlight software frameworksSpace communication protocolsHardware-in-the-Loop testingModel-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)PackageMeaningful equityPerformance bonusComprehensive healthcareGenerous PTOWellness allowanceLong-term opportunity to shape a category-defining space companyEligibilityDue to the nature of the programmes, applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident and be eligible to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.If you're an experienced Flight Software Engineer who enjoys solving problems at the edge of what's technically possible, I'd be happy to tell you more.Apply directly or send me a confidential message for further details.","company":"Innoforge","rawCompany":"innoforge","city":"El Segundo","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-07-07T10:08:26.200Z","occupations":[{"code":"15-1252.00","title":"Software Developers","slug":"software-developers"},{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"15-1299.08","title":"Computer Systems Engineers/Architects","slug":"computer-systems-engineers-architects"}],"industries":[{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"513210","title":"Software Publishers","slug":"software-publishers"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Lead Flight Software Engineer","description":"Lead Flight Software EngineerEl Segundo, California | Onsite | $240,000 - $285,000 + EquityOne of the most ambitious space engineering opportunities we've been trusted to recruit for.InnoForge is partnering with a venture-backed space technology company that is redefining how spacecraft operate in orbit.Rather than improving today's satellite architecture, they're building an entirely new approach from first principles. The engineering challenges are significant, the pace is fast, and the technology has genuine potential to reshape future space operations.We're looking for a Lead Flight Software Engineer to take ownership of the flight software architecture behind a first-of-its-kind spacecraft platform.This isn't a role for someone looking to maintain existing products. It's for someone who wants to build something that's never existed before.The OpportunityAs the technical lead for flight software, you'll own the architecture, development and integration of mission-critical software responsible for spacecraft control, autonomy, telemetry, command and fault management.Working alongside world-class systems, mechanical, electrical and GNC engineers, you'll help take hardware from concept through to flight.You'll be involved across the complete development lifecycle, from early architecture through integration, validation, testing and ultimately flight operations.You'll Be Responsible ForLeading the design and architecture of embedded flight softwareDeveloping robust real-time software using C/C++ (Rust experience is a bonus)Defining software requirements, interfaces and verification strategiesLeading code reviews, design reviews and engineering best practiceSupporting Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), spacecraft simulation and validationMentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across the software teamWorking closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver flight-ready systemsWe're Looking For5-10+ years developing embedded or real-time softwareStrong C/C++ expertise with Python for tooling or automationExperience across the full software lifecycle, from requirements through deploymentBackground in space, aerospace, robotics, defence or other mission-critical systemsHighly DesirableFlight software frameworksSpace communication protocolsHardware-in-the-Loop testingModel-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)PackageMeaningful equityPerformance bonusComprehensive healthcareGenerous PTOWellness allowanceLong-term opportunity to shape a category-defining space companyEligibilityDue to the nature of the programmes, applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident and be eligible to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.If you're an experienced Flight Software Engineer who enjoys solving problems at the edge of what's technically possible, I'd be happy to tell you more.Apply directly or send me a confidential message for further details.","datePosted":"2026-07-07T10:08:26.200Z","dateModified":"2026-07-07T10:08:26.200Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Innoforge","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"El Segundo","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"da2db984db55933ed9b7a7c2"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/da2db984db55933ed9b7a7c2"}}