Flight Software Manager

York Space Systems•Greenwood Village, CO

10d•$155,000 - $205,000

About The Position

York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next-generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York’s complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York’s existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively. We’re looking to expand our team across the board. York Space Systems is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Flight Software Manager. The flight software manager is responsible for leading the team focused on the design, analysis, testing, and delivery of the mission-critical space vehicle flight software. This role focuses on leading a team to deliver real-time and embedded Linux-based flight software, enabling reliable command, telemetry, networking, and autonomy across on-orbit vehicles. This role will lead the flight software development team while also making individual contributions. The ideal candidate is an experienced engineering leader with strong systems thinking who can operate across the full spacecraft lifecycle—from concept development and software architecture through integration, launch, and on-orbit operations. Not all skills below are required, we encourage you to apply if you have an interest in learning!

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
6+ years of experience in embedded software development
2+ years of technical leadership, project leadership, or people management experience
Strong proficiency in C/C++
Experience with embedded Linux systems (drivers, networking, system-level debugging)
Experience with deterministic build systems such as Yocto or VxWorks
Familiarity with networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, routing concepts)
Experience leading software projects through the full development lifecycle
Experience debugging hardware/software integration issues
Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
Must be clearance eligible and ability to maintain an active Secret Clearance or higher
Love space!

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in computer science or engineering related field
10+ years of experience developing software for aerospace, defense, or safety-critical systems
Experience managing engineering teams and technical roadmaps
Experience with spacecraft flight software and on-orbit operations
Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
Experience with Yocto, Buildroot, VxWorks, or similar embedded build environments
Familiarity with CCSDS, DTN, and spacecraft communication protocols
Experience supporting hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), flatsat, and system-level integration environments
Knowledge of software assurance, cybersecurity, secure boot, software signing, and key management
Experience supporting launch campaigns and on-orbit anomaly investigations
Active Secret Clearance or higher

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and grow a team of flight software engineers
Establish team priorities, objectives, and technical roadmaps aligned with company and program goals
Drive execution of software development activities across multiple programs and spacecraft platforms
Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence
Support hiring, performance management, career development, and employee growth
Coordinate resources and priorities across engineering, mission operations, systems engineering, and program management teams.
Provide technical direction for spacecraft flight software architecture and design
Lead software development efforts for embedded Linux and real-time spacecraft systems
Oversee software requirements, interface definitions, architecture reviews, and design decisions
Guide integration of software with spacecraft hardware, payloads, radios, and mission systems
Support software verification, validation, and qualification activities
Drive improvements to software quality, reliability, cybersecurity, automation, and maintainability
Participate in root-cause investigations, anomaly resolution, and on-orbit support activities
Ensure successful delivery of flight software releases across development, test, and flight environments
Drive continuous improvement of CI/CD pipelines, testing frameworks, release processes, and software metrics
Support technical reviews including PDRs, CDRs, TRRs, PSRs, and mission readiness activities
Collaborate with platform, applications, hardware, systems engineering, integration & test, and mission operations teams to deliver mission success