At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop mission-critical software for spacecraft and satellites in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Innovative space company shaping the future of exploration and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare, flexible PTO, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a fast-growing team with a real impact on space exploration.
- Why this job: Contribute to groundbreaking space missions and work with top engineers in the field.
- Qualifications: Experience in C/C++ software development and embedded systems required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: California
Our client is an innovative and rapidly growing space company developing next-generation spacecraft and satellite technologies. Their missions are shaping the future of space exploration, communications, Earth observation, and national security.
They are seeking a Flight Software Engineer to develop mission-critical onboard software that enables spacecraft to operate reliably in one of the most demanding environments imaginable. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to systems that will launch into orbit and beyond.
The Role
As a Flight Software Engineer, you'll work alongside spacecraft, avionics, GNC, and systems engineers to develop software that sits at the heart of space missions.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain flight software for spacecraft and satellite platforms
- Develop embedded software solutions in C/C++ for real-time and resource-constrained environments
- Implement software for command and data handling, telemetry, fault management, and onboard autonomy
- Support software architecture, integration, testing, and validation activities
- Work closely with hardware and systems teams to ensure seamless subsystem integration
- Participate in mission simulations, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and launch readiness activities
- Troubleshoot and resolve software issues during development, testing, and mission operations
- Contribute to software development best practices, documentation, and code reviews
Requirements
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Strong professional experience developing software in C and/or C++
- Experience working with embedded systems and real-time software
- Understanding of software architecture, debugging, and performance optimisation
- Experience with Linux-based development environments
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work within multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Experience developing software for spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, or aerospace systems
- Knowledge of RTOS environments such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or RTEMS
- Familiarity with communication protocols including UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, or SpaceWire
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing and system integration
- Understanding of spacecraft subsystems, mission operations, or autonomy systems
- Familiarity with aerospace standards and verification processes
Why Join?
- Work on technology that will be launched into space
- Collaborate with some of the brightest engineers in the industry
- Competitive salary, bonus, and equity package
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Flexible PTO and paid holidays
- Career progression within a fast-growing space company
- Opportunity to make a tangible impact on future space missions
Flight Software Engineer in California employer: Alexander Associates
Join an innovative and rapidly growing space company in California, where you'll have the unique opportunity to develop mission-critical software for next-generation spacecraft and satellite technologies. With a collaborative work culture that fosters creativity and problem-solving, employees enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive healthcare, flexible PTO, and clear pathways for career progression, all while contributing to groundbreaking missions that shape the future of space exploration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flight Software Engineer in California
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Alexander Associates for a Flight Software Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Flight Software Engineer in California
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Alexander Associates, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Alexander Associates, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Associates
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Alexander Associates.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Alexander Associates. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Alexander Associates love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
