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Observable Space is seeking a Staff Flight Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain flight software systems for spacecraft and telescope platforms. You'll work with a multidisciplinary team of electrical, mechanical, optical, and software engineers to deliver reliable, fault-tolerant systems for ground-based and space-based deployment.
Key responsibilities include designing and developing flight software for spacecraft and telescope systems, including command, control, and data handling (C&DH); building software that interfaces directly with hardware components, sensors, and onboard subsystems; architecting systems for high reliability, fault tolerance, and long-duration autonomous operation; implementing communication protocols for telemetry, command uplink/downlink, and system coordination; and collaborating with electrical and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration.
You'll support hardware bring-up, integration, and debugging at the hardware/software boundary; develop and implement fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) mechanisms; support system testing including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and validation activities; participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and internal documentation; and provide engineering support during integration, testing, and system validation.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent; 5+ years of experience in software engineering, embedded systems, or systems-level development; strong programming skills in C/C++ or similar low-level languages; experience developing software for embedded or hardware-integrated systems; understanding of real-time systems, concurrency, and performance optimization; familiarity with communication protocols and networking fundamentals; strong debugging and problem-solving skills; and demonstrated passion for aerospace, robotics, or complex systems.
Preferred qualifications include experience developing flight software for spacecraft, satellites, or aerospace systems; familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or embedded Linux environments; understanding of fault-tolerant system design and reliability engineering; experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and simulation environments; familiarity with space communication standards (e.g., CCSDS); experience in fast-paced, early-stage or startup environments; and basic scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB) for testing or data analysis.
Observable Space is a vertically integrated, high-growth space technology company building precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Systems are trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD. The company combines precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world-class products. Backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, and Embedded Ventures.
The role offers competitive compensation, equity opportunities, hybrid work environment with minimum 3 days per week in LA office, unlimited PTO, comprehensive health & wellness coverage, cutting-edge tools, and a mission-driven culture.
