Flight Software Engineer

Space Kinetic•El Segundo, CA

7h•Onsite

About The Position

Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy. The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, and maintain the critical software systems that control and operate our satellites, ensuring reliable performance and mission success in the challenging environment of space. Integrate and test software in simulation, flight replica, flight, and hardware-in-the-loop environments. Work with multiple engineering teams to establish software requirements and design. Partner with various engineering teams to commission newly launched satellites.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
2- 3 years of experience developing embedded or real-time software for space, aerospace, robotics, or mission-critical systems.
Knowledge of software development through all phases of the system lifecycle—from requirements through flight operations.
Entry level to Intermediate proficiency in C/C++, with working knowledge of Python or scripting languages for automation and testing.
Familiarity with RTOS, bare-metal programming, or Linux-based embedded systems.
Basic understanding of software reliability, deterministic timing, concurrency, and resource management in constrained environments.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder).
Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with flight software frameworks (e.g., NASA cFS, F’ FPrime, or custom architectures).
Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and interface control documentation.
Knowledge of space communication protocols (CCSDS, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, etc.).

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain the critical software systems that control and operate our satellites, ensuring reliable performance and mission success in the challenging environment of space.
Integrate and test software in simulation, flight replica, flight, and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
Work with multiple engineering teams to establish software requirements and design.
Partner with various engineering teams to commission newly launched satellites.