Senior Flight Software Engineer

Job Description

Description

At Turion Space, we’re building spacecraft to secure Earth and expand humanity’s reach beyond it. Our missions span national security, in-space servicing, and orbital debris removal and flight software is the heartbeat of everything we launch.

We’re looking for a Senior Flight Software Engineer to design, build, and test embedded systems that directly control spacecraft behavior and performance. You’ll work cross-functionally across hardware, systems, and mission ops to develop software that’s robust, real-time, and ready for space.

Prior aerospace experience isn’t required. We’re looking for passionate software engineers who want to solve hard problems and make an impact.

Key Responsibilities

Own the full lifecycle of spacecraft flight software—from early architecture through development, test, and on-orbit operations.

Lead technical design and implementation of high-reliability embedded systems for spacecraft command and control, autonomy, and fault tolerance.

Develop simulation environments, test harnesses, and HIL setups to validate software in mission-representative conditions.

Drive root-cause analysis and troubleshooting efforts for system-level software and hardware interactions across development and flight.

Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, avionics, and mission ops teams to ensure end-to-end integration and performance.

Author and maintain critical documentation including software architecture docs, ICDs, verification plans, and test results.

Influence and improve team-wide software development practices, tooling, and design patterns.

Mentor junior engineers and help shape the flight software team’s culture, technical standards, and review processes.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

5 Years of experience in embedded software development, including full lifecycle ownership from design to test and deployment

Strong proficiency in C/C++ in a Linux or embedded environment

Demonstrated experience writing high-reliability software that interfaces with hardware in real-time systems

Proven ability to lead projects or technical domains independently, with minimal oversight

The ability to obtain and maintain an active DOD Secret or Top Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

7 years of experience developing embedded software for spacecraft, aerospace systems, robotics, or autonomous vehicles

Deep familiarity with:

Embedded Linux (e.g. Yocto, Buildroot), RTOS, file systems, and bootloaders

Spacecraft protocols and standards: CCSDS, CAN, SPI, Ethernet/IP

Software frameworks like NASA cFS, F Prime (F’), or similar architectures

CI/CD tools and version control systems (e.g. Git, Jenkins)

Simulation, test automation, and HIL environments (GTest, PyTest, custom frameworks)

Experience in fault-tolerant architectures, real-time state machines, or autonomous control logic

Prior technical leadership or mentorship experience

An active DOD Secret or Top Secret Clearance

Additional Requirements:

A passion for building in small, fast-moving teams

Willingness to work extended hours or weekends to meet mission-critical deadlines

ITAR Requirements:

This position may include access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls. 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), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. In addition to a competitive base salary and company stock, determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and market demand, full-time employees are eligible for:

Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan to help you plan for your future.

Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, and holidays to ensure you have time to recharge.

Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and courses to advance your skills and career growth.

Team Building Activities: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities to foster a positive work environment.

We are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our team members, recognizing that our collective success is built upon the well-being and satisfaction of each individual.

Turion Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Turion Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

Full-time