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Senior Flight Software Engineer Verified today

Inversion Space · Playa Vista, CA · Software · first seen 2026-07-16
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Position Overview

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer at Inversion, you will have an instrumental impact on the design, functionality, and performance of next-generation reentry vehicles. You will own a substantial aspect of the flight software stack that enables spacecraft to complete extended operations in space and controlled return to Earth. Your impact will encompass commanding, telemetry, and implementation of control algorithms running on custom hardware for the world's first reentry vehicle designed to turn space into a viable transportation layer.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own critical software components for a new vehicle, from initial concept through design, implementation, testing, and deployment.
  • Write and test software for spacecraft, including drivers, networking, fault management, and attitude control interfaces.
  • Create and execute tests, including HITL (hardware in the loop), HOOTL/SITL (software in the loop), integration testing, and unit testing.
  • Assist with the growth and development of the software organization, including conducting interviews and mentoring other engineers and interns.

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years of software development experience with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
  • Experience working in a systems level language like Rust, C++, or C.
  • Experience working in a Linux development environment.
  • Experience with version control, code reviews, issue tracking, and CI/CD environments.
  • An innovative and optimistic approach to work in a dynamic and uncertain environment.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with safety critical systems or other fault tolerant systems.
  • Familiarity with Python or similar language for testing and tooling.
  • Hands-on experience developing, testing, and/or operating spacecraft, flight hardware, HITL, flat-sats, and avionics systems.
  • Experience collaborating with GNC engineers and developing interfaces to sensors (IMUs, GPSs, Star Trackers, etc.).
  • Experience with networking concepts (TCP, UDP, Ethernet, etc.).
  • Experience with low-level communication protocols (CANbus, UART, I2C, RS422/485, etc.).
  • Familiarity with the Linux kernel and interfacing with it (kernel modules, device trees, etc.). Extra points for embedded Linux experience (Yocto, Buildroot, or similar).
  • Prior experience working in startups and small independent teams.

Location and Compensation

This position requires in-office presence at our headquarters in Playa Vista, CA. California annual base salary is currently $139,000 to $201,000. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on interviews, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, and internal equity.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.