Flight Software Engineer II
Quantum Space
<p>Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.</p> <p><strong>Who We’re Looking For</strong></p> <p>We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer&nbsp;to design, develop, integrate, and test embedded software that powers our spacecraft and payload systems. You will work across subsystem teams to implement flight behaviors, command sequences, and on-orbit functionality that directly impact mission success. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, iterative environment and who enjoys working at the interface of software, hardware, and operations.</p> <hr> <p><strong>Where You’ll Make an Impact</strong></p> <ul> <li>Develop flight and payload software for embedded spacecraft systems running VxWorks and Linux.</li> <li>Debug and integrate software with hardware subsystems across a variety of communication interfaces and protocols.</li> <li>Collaborate with avionics, payload, propulsion, and GNC leads to implement subsystem behaviors in flight software.</li> <li>Work with mission operations and ground software teams to design scheduling logic, command sequences, and autonomous behaviors.</li> <li>Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, system integration, and functional verification of spacecraft software.</li> <li>Document software behaviors, interfaces, and workflows to ensure cross-functional alignment across engineering teams.</li> <li>Operate effectively in a schedule-driven, rapid development environment</li> </ul> <hr> <p><strong>What It Takes</strong></p> <ul> <li>BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field</li> <li>3+ years of experience with C++ or another object-oriented programming language</li> <li>Proficiency in Python for scripting, testing, and automation</li> <li>Strong experience working in a Linux development environment, including but not limited to:</li> <ul> <li>Shell scripting (bash)</li> <li>Networking/IP</li> <li>Serial/UART interactions</li> <li>System-level debugging</li> </ul> <li>Experience with Git and Git-based workflows such as GitLab</li> <li>Familiarity with Agile software development processes</li> <li>Ability to rapidly understand, navigate, and contribute to a large, previously developed codebase</li> </ul> <hr> <p><strong>Nice-to-Have Experience</strong></p> <ul> <li>5+ years of C++ development experience</li> <li>Experience developing flight software or other spacecraft-related software (ground tools, test frameworks, payload apps)</li> <li>Background in embedded systems development</li> <li>Experience with Docker or other containerization tools</li> <li>Familiarity with common spacecraft interfaces such as I2C, RS-422/485, LVDS, SpaceWire, MIL-1553, Ethernet</li> <li>Experience with Rocket Lab MAX FSW</li> <li>Hands-on experience with VxWorks or other real-time operating systems (RTOS)</li> </ul> <hr> <p><strong>What You’ll Get</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ownership – Build and shape the core software that executes on orbit and drives our mission capabilities.</li> <li>Impact – Contribute directly to spacecraft behavior, autonomy, and mission execution.</li> <li>Innovation – Work across hardware, software, and operations to develop the next generation of on-orbit systems.</li> <li>Growth – Expand