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← Space Kinetic

Lead Flight Software Engineer

Space Kinetic
Location
El Segundo, California
Posted
2 months ago
Department
Whirlwind Development Team - Software Engineering
What they actually want (must-haves)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 5 to 10 years of experience developing embedded or real-time software for space, aerospace, robotics, or other mission-critical systems
  • Experience leading software development across the full system lifecycle, from requirements and architecture through integration, qualification, and operations
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++, with experience using Python or similar scripting languages for automation and testing
  • Experience with RTOS, bare-metal programming, or Linux-based embedded systems
  • Strong understanding of deterministic timing, concurrency, fault tolerance, software reliability, and resource management in constrained environments
Nice to have
  • Experience with flight software frameworks such as NASA cFS, F´, or custom architectures
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering and interface control documentation
  • Knowledge of spacecraft communication protocols such as CCSDS, SpaceWire, or MIL-STD-1553
What the job really is

As the Lead Flight Software Engineer at Space Kinetic, you will be responsible for the development, integration, and validation of mission-critical software for electromechanical spacecraft systems. Your role involves leading software architecture and development, defining requirements and verification strategies, and mentoring a team in a fast-paced prototyping environment. You will work with embedded systems and ensure software reliability and fault tolerance throughout the software lifecycle.

Benefits
  • Equity-Based Compensation
  • 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match
  • Highly Competitive PTO
  • Paid company holidays + winter break
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities
Things to weigh
  • No remote work mentioned; position is onsite in El Segundo, CA
  • Role requires a high level of commitment and urgency, not a traditional 40-hour work week
  • Salary range provided, but individual pay varies based on multiple factors
  • Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year)
Job score2.8/5
Benefits3/5
Freshness1/5
Career value5/5
Role clarity5/5
Pay transparency0/5

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