Staff Flight Software Engineer, Interplanetary Sciences Program Verified today
About the Team
The Interplanetary Sciences Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated.
The Role
As a Staff Flight Software Engineer within the Interplanetary Sciences Program, you will take ownership of the design, development, and deployment of flight-critical software that governs how our spacecraft behaves and operates from concept through flight.
You will be responsible for building robust, reliable embedded software that enables autonomous deep-space missions and real-time spacecraft control. This role requires an engineer who thrives on full-system ownership, moves fluidly between architecture and implementation, and brings rigorous engineering discipline to every phase of development from requirements capture to operational flight support.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and test flight software for spacecraft command, control, and autonomy across all mission phases
- Own full lifecycle software development: requirements capture, architecture, design, implementation, integration, test, and flight operations support
- Collaborate with avionics, GNC, propulsion, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless integration between software and spacecraft hardware
- Develop and execute verification and validation (V&V) processes to ensure flight safety, reliability, and mission success
- Support on-vehicle and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, debugging, and mission simulations
About You
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
- 7+ years of experience developing, testing, and delivering embedded or real-time flight software
- Strong proficiency in C++ and solid understanding of memory management, concurrency, and embedded systems design
- Experience with RTOS or Linux-based embedded development, software integration, and system-level testing
- Proven ability to scope open-ended problems, execute autonomously, and deliver high-quality, flight-ready software
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills
Nice to Have
- Experience developing software for spaceflight, launch vehicles, or planetary spacecraft
- Familiarity with deep-space communication protocols and autonomy frameworks
- Experience with Python or Rust for tooling, testing, or simulation support
- Background in hardware-in-the-loop testing, embedded networking, or fault-tolerant system design
- Knowledge of NASA or other aerospace software development and verification standards, applied in a modern new-space context
Compensation
Hiring range: $181,000 to $271,000 USD. Compensation is determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, generous PTO and sick leave, parental leave, and an annual learning and development stipend.