Senior Flight Software Engineer

Job Title: Flight Software Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer with deep experience in embedded flight software and FPGA/SoC development. This role involves developing core flight software for current on-orbit satellite fleets and future satellite constellations. The position also includes leadership responsibilities, serving as a representative for architectural decisions, cross-team collaboration, and schedule management.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test new embedded flight software from concept through subsystem integration and full system deployment.
• Maintain and modify HDL code to meet mission and spacecraft functionality requirements.
• Integrate mission-specific microcontroller software into systems capable of full spacecraft control.
• Serve as a technical leader within the Flight Software Team, guiding requirements through completion.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to architect new spacecraft features and capabilities.
• Ensure software is robust, reliable, and aligned with mission objectives and timelines.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in C and C++, including modern C++ (C++11 and beyond).
• Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), including FreeRTOS.
• Expertise with FPGAs/SoCs and hardware description languages (Verilog, VHDL, or similar).
• Experience with logic simulation and HDL design verification.
• Strong understanding of multi-threaded environments, concurrency, and inter-process communication.
• Familiarity with serial communication protocols (RS-232, RS-485, CAN, SPI).
• Experience with debugging interfaces such as SWD and JTAG.
• Proficiency with laboratory tools including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.
• Ability to read and interpret circuit diagrams and hardware schematics.
• Comfortable in Linux environments and command-line workflows.
• Familiarity with modern development practices: Git, unit testing, continuous integration, Jira, etc.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 4+ years of professional experience in embedded programming and flight or mission-critical systems (for a bachelor's degree).
• US Citizenship is required.

Work Environment

This position is based in the Lanham office and offers a hybrid work schedule, with an expectation of being in the office two days a week. Employees have the opportunity to contribute to a pioneering satellite-to-cellular network, with a focus on ownership, rapid learning, and impactful work in a fast-paced aerospace startup environment.

This is a Permanent position based out of Lanham, MD.

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $150000.00/yr.

Comprehensive benefits are offered as this is a direct placement role.

This is a hybrid position in Lanham,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.