Head of Flight Software Engineer

Fortastra Corporation • Torrance, CA

8d • $180,000 - $250,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Fortastra is seeking a Head of Flight Software Engineer to join their early engineering team. This role will focus on developing and integrating the flight software stack end-to-end, including ground-side mission operations tools and vehicle-side embedded software. The engineer will collaborate with avionics, GNC, and systems engineers to bring the vehicle from concept to flight.

Requirements

• B.S. Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical, or other sciences and/or physics based degree
• Prior experience in systems and mission operations software
• Experience with ground software, mission ops, or telemetry/command systems.
• Experience with space systems - rovers, satellites, launch vehicles, etc.
• Familiarity developing embedded software for real-time or safety-critical systems (aerospace, robotics, automotive, or similar).
• Exposure to DevOps for embedded systems and automated testing pipelines.
• Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop, fault tolerance, and safety-critical standards.
• Experience with cloud-based ground systems or mission control software
• Ability to work independently and in small, fast-moving teams.
• Work is on-site, remote or hybrid arrangements will not be considered
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain or have an active TS/SCI clearance (US Person considered)

Responsibilities

• Build mission operations software — the ground tools that plan, execute, and monitor missions in real time.
• Develop and integrate flight software for the vehicle — from architecture and implementation to test and flight readiness.
• Develop ground software services for telemetry, commanding, and visualization.
• Write embedded software for flight computers, sensors, and actuators.
• Collaborate with avionics, propulsion, and GNC teams to define software interfaces and data models.
• Contribute to flight software CI/CD pipelines, testing frameworks, and simulation environments.
• Support software-in-the-loop testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, environmental testing, and flight campaigns.

Benefits

• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• Equity: Share in Fortastra's success with equity in the company you're helping build.
• 401(k): A 401(k) plan to help you invest in your future and plan for what's ahead.
• Social Events: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities

What This Job Offers

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