Flight Software Engineer II Verified today
About the Role
Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space with high-mobility spacecraft platforms that support national security, civil, and commercial missions. We build fast and iterate quickly.
We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and test embedded software that powers our spacecraft and payload systems. You will work across subsystem teams to implement flight behaviors, command sequences, and on-orbit functionality that directly impact mission success. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, iterative environment and who enjoys working at the interface of software, hardware, and operations.
What You Will Do
- Develop flight and payload software for embedded spacecraft systems running VxWorks and Linux.
- Debug and integrate software with hardware subsystems across a variety of communication interfaces and protocols.
- Collaborate with avionics, payload, propulsion, and GNC leads to implement subsystem behaviors in flight software.
- Work with mission operations and ground software teams to design scheduling logic, command sequences, and autonomous behaviors.
- Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, system integration, and functional verification of spacecraft software.
- Document software behaviors, interfaces, and workflows to ensure cross-functional alignment across engineering teams.
- Operate effectively in a schedule-driven, rapid development environment.
What You Need
- 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 shell scripting (bash), networking/IP, serial/UART interactions, and 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 Experience
- 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)
Location and Compensation
Rockville, MD; Hawthorne, CA; or Denver, CO.
Base salary: $100,000 to $150,000. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.
U.S. Person Requirement
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.