Flight Software Engineer – Embedded Linux & Networking

AST SpaceMobile • Lanham, MD

2h • Hybrid

About The Position

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

We are seeking a highly skilled Flight Software Engineer – Embedded Linux & Networking to design, develop, and support embedded software systems for advanced aerospace platforms. This role focuses on building and optimizing Linux-based networking capabilities within mission-critical environments, contributing to system architecture, integration, and performance of complex embedded systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• A minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in software engineering with a strong focus on embedded Linux systems
• Programming languages: C, C++, Python
• Embedded Linux systems and kernel development
• Networking technologies: TCP/IP, UDP, socket programming, routing
• Embedded build systems such as Yocto or Buildroot
• Development and debugging tools (e.g., GDB, JTAG/SWD interfaces)
• Version control and collaboration tools (e.g., Git)
• Continuous integration and issue tracking tools (e.g., CI platforms, Jira or similar)
• Hardware debugging and diagnostic tools (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic or network analyzers)

Nice To Haves

• Experience with real-time or performance-constrained embedded systems
• Familiarity with advanced networking concepts and custom communication protocols
• Exposure to secure software development practices or embedded system security
• Experience working on high-reliability or mission-critical systems
• Background in wireless communication or distributed network architectures
• Experience with GPU computing or parallel processing technologies
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in design and implementation
• Ability to lead technical discussions and influence architecture decisions
• Adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded Linux software, including board support packages (BSPs), device drivers, and system-level integration
• Lead development of networking subsystems, including protocol stacks, network drivers, and communication interfaces
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define system interfaces and ensure seamless hardware/software integration
• Contribute to and uphold embedded software architecture standards, best practices, and coding guidelines
• Participate in full software development lifecycle, including design, coding, testing, integration, and deployment
• Support simulation and testing environments to validate networking behavior and system performance
• Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues across hardware and software boundaries
• Conduct code reviews and provide mentorship to junior engineers to ensure quality and consistency
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including architecture decisions and system specifications

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior