Principal Flight Software Engineer

About the role

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.

What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.

It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION As a Principal Flight Software Engineer at True Anomaly, you will serve as a technical authority across the full spacecraft software stack, shaping architecture decisions, setting engineering standards, and driving the development of flight software from concept through on-orbit operations. You will own hard problems, influence program-level direction, and raise the technical bar for the team around you. If you are looking for a role where your decisions have real consequences in space, this is it.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Own the architecture and technical direction of flight software for space missions, including on-board computers, processing units, and associated systems

Lead the design and development of robust, safety-critical embedded software with a focus on long-term maintainability and mission reliability

Drive integration of complex GNC algorithms with flight software, collaborating closely with the GNC team to ensure correctness and performance

Define and maintain the Command Telemetry Database (CTDB) architecture to support ground and on-orbit test and operations

Establish and enforce software engineering standards including coding practices, design patterns, and verification and validation approaches

Partner with the ground C2 software team to align interfaces, data flows, and operational concepts across the full system

Architect and lead development of HITL and SITL simulation environments for subsystem and full-vehicle testing

Design and own reusable device driver and communications protocol libraries across flight hardware platforms

Serve as a key technical voice in design reviews, architecture discussions, and cross-functional planning

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field

15+ years of experience with embedded systems, low-level firmware architecture, and safety-critical software

Demonstrated ownership of FSW architecture on delivered space or safety-critical programs

Deep expertise in low-level device driver development and real-time embedded systems

Hands-on experience with embedded RTOS platforms such as RTLinux or Azure RTOS

Strong command of communication protocols including Ethernet, SPI, I2C, CAN, RS422, and RS485

Expert-level proficiency in C/C++; proficiency in Python

Ability to maintain or obtain TS/SCI clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field

15+ years of FSW development experience with direct contributions to on-orbit missions

Proven ability to define and uphold engineering standards across a software organization

Experience leading architecture reviews and driving technical decisions across multidisciplinary teams

Familiarity with embedded Linux and networking protocols including UDP and TCP/IP

Fluency with embedded systems toolchains, compilers, debuggers, and IDEs

Experience with microcontrollers, application processors, and revision control systems at scale

Advanced debugging skills using instrumentation such as oscilloscopes and protocol analyzers

Background in robotics, automation, motor control, or sensor fusion

COMPENSATION

Base Salary: $180,000 - $305,000

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Location —This is an onsite role, we are seeking candidates based near Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA.

Work environment —the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.

Physical demands —the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.