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Staff Flight Software Engineer Verified today

Vast · Long Beach, CA · Software · first seen 2026-07-16
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About Vast

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027.

The Role

You will work as a Staff Flight Software Engineer reporting to the Senior Manager of Flight Software. This is a full-time, exempt position in Long Beach, California.

You will develop fault-tolerant code for safety-critical systems and work closely with the avionics team to integrate flight code with avionics hardware. You will work as part of a team that treats finding and fixing errors as a positive experience that strengthens processes and products.

Responsibilities

  • Work with the Flight Software team to create highly reliable flight software for all Haven missions
  • Work cross-functionally with GNC, Thermal, Propulsion, Power, and ECLSS disciplines to support algorithm implementation and integration into flight software
  • Assess and critique code in reviews, ensuring adherence to best practices and established standards
  • Develop driver-level code to interface with radios, sensors, and actuators onboard for all Haven missions
  • Develop and maintain the Telemetry and Commanding Systems used to communicate with vehicles
  • Develop unit and integrated tests and establish continuous integration framework for flight

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 10+ years of experience coding in C++

Preferred Qualifications

  • Fault-tolerant and safety-critical software design
  • Experience developing software for complex systems such as spacecraft, aircraft, or autonomous vehicles
  • Experience working in a continuous build and test environment
  • Embedded systems experience
  • Satellite communications or telemetry systems experience
  • Hands-on experience with serial protocols (UART, CAN, I2C, SPI, Ethernet)
  • Linux kernel software and driver knowledge
  • Network programming experience
  • Familiarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters
  • Atlassian Suite experience (JIRA, Bitbucket, Confluence)
  • Git, CMake, and GNU tools proficiency
  • Ability to work in a Linux environment

Additional Requirements

  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends to support critical mission milestones

Compensation

Base salary: $188,600-$267,700 USD, depending on experience and demonstrated capability.

Full-time employees receive company equity and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off (20+ days vacation for exempt staff, with ability to cash out unused days); paid parental leave; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; mental healthcare through Spring Health; free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals; and subsidized lunch.

Export Control Requirement

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls. You must be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees or refugees with such status granted (not pending).