Impulse Space
Join to apply for the
Lead Flight Software Engineer
role at
Impulse Space 3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the
Lead Flight Software Engineer
role at
Impulse Space Compensation:
$150,000 - $210,000 / year
Department:
Autonomous Systems Location:
Redondo Beach Compensation:
$150,000 - $210,000 / year
Description
As a
Lead Flight Software Engineer
at Impulse, you will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of the software that powers our Space Vehicles. You will work closely with avionics hardware engineers, GNC engineers, propulsion engineers, and other cross-disciplinary teams to deliver high-reliability, high-performance software for in-space transportation.
Responsibilities
Lead the design, implementation, integration, and verification of software for:
Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms Command and telemetry handling Mission sequencing, autonomy, and fault management Closed-loop control of propulsion, attitude control, and other time-critical systems
Architect and maintain the real-time flight software framework to meet deterministic performance requirements in space environments. Develop detection and mitigation algorithms for anomalies such as sensor failures, actuator malfunctions, or radiation-induced faults. Direct and participate in code reviews, ensuring compliance with software safety, reliability, and maintainability standards. Mentor and provide technical direction to a team of flight software engineers. Collaborate with systems, avionics, and propulsion teams to ensure hardware/software integration readiness. Support mission operations and troubleshoot real-time issues during ground integration, environmental testing, and on-orbit operations. Drive the adoption of best practices in embedded software development, testing, and documentation.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. 8+ 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 Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or Embedded Linux in mission-critical environments. Experience with version control, unit/integration testing, and continuous integration/deployment pipelines.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Proven track record delivering flight software for rockets — including launch vehicles, OTVs, upper stages, or other in-space propulsion systems. Familiarity with NASA cFS, ROS2, or custom middleware for space applications. Expertise in designing software for deterministic timing and hard real-time constraints. Hands-on work in startup or agile aerospace environments. Strong background in closed-loop control systems for propulsion and attitude control. Participation in successful integration, testing, launch, and mission operations of a space vehicle. Strong communication skills, with the ability to lead technical discussions and guide design trade studies.
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the
form of stock options , and access to
medical, vision & dental coverage
as well as
access to a 401(k) retirement plan .
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. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse 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. Seniority level
Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Impulse Space by 2x Get notified about new Lead Software Engineer jobs in
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Lead Flight Software Engineer
role at
Impulse Space 3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the
Lead Flight Software Engineer
role at
Impulse Space Compensation:
$150,000 - $210,000 / year
Department:
Autonomous Systems Location:
Redondo Beach Compensation:
$150,000 - $210,000 / year
Description
As a
Lead Flight Software Engineer
at Impulse, you will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of the software that powers our Space Vehicles. You will work closely with avionics hardware engineers, GNC engineers, propulsion engineers, and other cross-disciplinary teams to deliver high-reliability, high-performance software for in-space transportation.
Responsibilities
Lead the design, implementation, integration, and verification of software for:
Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms Command and telemetry handling Mission sequencing, autonomy, and fault management Closed-loop control of propulsion, attitude control, and other time-critical systems
Architect and maintain the real-time flight software framework to meet deterministic performance requirements in space environments. Develop detection and mitigation algorithms for anomalies such as sensor failures, actuator malfunctions, or radiation-induced faults. Direct and participate in code reviews, ensuring compliance with software safety, reliability, and maintainability standards. Mentor and provide technical direction to a team of flight software engineers. Collaborate with systems, avionics, and propulsion teams to ensure hardware/software integration readiness. Support mission operations and troubleshoot real-time issues during ground integration, environmental testing, and on-orbit operations. Drive the adoption of best practices in embedded software development, testing, and documentation.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. 8+ 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 Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or Embedded Linux in mission-critical environments. Experience with version control, unit/integration testing, and continuous integration/deployment pipelines.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Proven track record delivering flight software for rockets — including launch vehicles, OTVs, upper stages, or other in-space propulsion systems. Familiarity with NASA cFS, ROS2, or custom middleware for space applications. Expertise in designing software for deterministic timing and hard real-time constraints. Hands-on work in startup or agile aerospace environments. Strong background in closed-loop control systems for propulsion and attitude control. Participation in successful integration, testing, launch, and mission operations of a space vehicle. Strong communication skills, with the ability to lead technical discussions and guide design trade studies.
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the
form of stock options , and access to
medical, vision & dental coverage
as well as
access to a 401(k) retirement plan .
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. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse 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. Seniority level
Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Impulse Space by 2x Get notified about new Lead Software Engineer jobs in
Redondo Beach, CA . Principal Software Engineer (ML Focused) - League Studio, League Data Central
Los Angeles, CA $229,200.00-$319,500.00 3 weeks ago Senior Software Engineer - Buyer Pricing
Senior Staff Software Engineer, Customer Experience
Culver City, CA $151,300.00-$261,500.00 2 days ago Senior Software Engineer- Hardware in the Loop (HIL)
Software Integration & Test (I&T) IPT Lead
Software Integration & Test (I&T) IPT Lead with Security Clearance
West Hollywood, CA $180,000.00-$200,000.00 1 week ago Senior Software Engineer, Cloud Infrastructure
West Hollywood, CA $180,000.00-$200,000.00 1 week ago Santa Monica, CA $152,200.00-$223,600.00 1 month ago Los Angeles Metropolitan Area 2 years ago Glendale, CA $138,900.00-$203,900.00 2 months ago Glendale, CA $138,900.00-$203,900.00 1 month ago Los Angeles, CA $150,000.00-$180,000.00 1 month ago Glendale, CA $152,200.00-$204,100.00 2 weeks ago Santa Monica, CA $175,500.00-$258,900.00 1 month ago Santa Monica, CA $152,200.00-$223,600.00 3 months ago Santa Monica, CA $152,200.00-$204,100.00 1 month ago Glendale, CA $138,900.00-$186,200.00 2 months ago Santa Monica, CA $152,200.00-$204,100.00 5 days ago Glendale, CA $152,200.00-$223,600.00 3 months ago Senior Software Engineer, Platform Engineering
Glendale, CA $136,038.00-$182,490.00 1 month ago Torrance, CA $135,100.00-$168,900.00 3 days ago Glendale, CA $152,200.00-$223,600.00 3 months ago Senior Software Development in Test Engineer
Glendale, CA $138,900.00-$186,200.00 3 weeks ago Los Angeles, CA $180,000.00-$210,000.00 1 month ago Glendale, CA $152,200.00-$204,100.00 1 month ago Glendale, CA $136,038.00-$182,490.00 1 month ago Senior Software Engineer - Infrastructure
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr