Senior Flight Software Engineer (GNC Focused)

Scout Space•Reston, VA

52d•Hybrid

About The Position

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward. As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) focused Senior Flight Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and implement advanced GNC algorithms and software for deployment on space hardware. You will contribute to Scout’s optical payload systems by implementing GNC flight software, conducting component-level and full-stack testing of payloads systems, and supporting post-flight operations and anomaly resolution. Your work will directly contribute to the next generation of intelligent satellite operations, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and scalability. Your contributions will impact the organization's ability to meet market demands, comply with industry standards, and maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
5+ years experience developing and deploying software for space systems.
Background in spacecraft mission operations or SDA/GNC systems.
Strong programming skills in modern C++ and Python
Expertise in real-time operating systems (RTOS) and software architecture for embedded systems.
Experience with software verification and validation processes.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Solid understanding of spacecraft control theory, estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering), and orbital mechanics.
Eligible to hold a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s in GNC or related discipline.
Direct experience with the entire spacecraft life-cycle, particularly in post-launch activities including commissioning, anomaly resolution, and day to day operations.
Familiarity with SDA/GNC applications in space systems.
Knowledge of fault-tolerant software architectures.
Experience with space communication protocols and interfaces.
Demonstrated ability to work on multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain Scout’s flight software on flight hardware to meet mission requirements.
Contribute to the development of algorithms for onboard motion control, space target tracking, own ship awareness, fault detection/recovery, and GNC methods more generally.
Translate GNC algorithms into flight-ready software, ensuring efficiency, robustness, and adherence to coding standards.
Integrate sensor models (IMUs, star trackers, GPS, etc.) and actuator models (thrusters, reaction wheels, control moment gyros) into GNC systems.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate flight software and GNC into spacecraft design and mission operations.
Perform verification and validation of flight software for performance and reliability in operational environments.
Drive system-level architecture for GNC-related features, ensuring compliance with mission and system constraints.
Document and maintain software development processes and support end-to-end mission requirements.
Participate in hardware/software-in-the-loop (H/SITL) software testing and simulation activities to validate flight software performance and GNC functions.
Assist with mission planning, anomaly resolution, and post-flight data analysis.