Lead Flight Software Engineer, Special Programs

Impulse Space•Redondo Beach, CA

7d•$150,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a Lead Flight Software Engineer for Special Programs at Impulse Space, you will lead the design, development, integration, and operation of the software that powers some of the most agile delta-V spacecraft under development. You will work closely with GNC, avionics, propulsion, systems, and mission operations teams to deliver high-reliability software for responsive space missions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
5+ years of professional experience developing C/C++ code for embedded systems in aerospace, with at least 1 year in a technical leadership role.
Demonstrated experience of computer architecture, operating systems, deterministic real-time execution, and embedded networking.
Experience with Embedded Linux in mission-critical environments.

Nice To Haves

Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility.
Proven track record delivering flight software for spacecraft, launch vehicles, upper stages, OTVs, responsive spacecraft, or other high-performance aerospace systems.
Experience with flight software frameworks, middleware, distributed software architectures, or publish/subscribe messaging patterns for mission-critical embedded systems.
Participation in successful integration, testing, launch, and mission operations of a space vehicle.
Experience collaborating with external suppliers, primes, or government customers to integrate software and hardware components across vehicle, payload, or mission systems.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to lead technical discussions and guide design trade studies.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, integration, and verification of flight software for high-performance space vehicles produced at scale.
Architect real-time flight software systems for responsive spacecraft, including command and telemetry, mission sequencing, autonomy, and fault management.
Develop and integrate software for closed-loop control of propulsion, attitude control, and other time-critical vehicle systems.
Develop detection and mitigation algorithms for anomalies such as sensor failures, actuator malfunctions, or radiation-induced faults.
Mentor and provide technical direction to a team of flight software engineers.
Support mission operations and troubleshoot real-time issues during ground integration, environmental testing, and on-orbit operations.