Senior Flight Software Engineer

Scout is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward.

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer, you will lead the development of Scout’s flight software systems for imaging payloads which perform image capture, processing, and data exploitation on orbit using embedded hardware. You will also contribute to Scout’s autonomy software which executes autonomous tasking and decision making on-orbit. Your work will directly contribute to the next generation of intelligent satellite operations, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and scalability. Your contributions will impact the organization's ability to meet market demands, comply with industry standards, and maintain a competitive edge. 

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Scout’s flight software on flight hardware to meet mission requirements.
• Contribute to the development of algorithms for decision-making, fault detection, and adaptive responses in real-time space environments.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate flight software and autonomy into spacecraft design and mission operations.
• Perform verification and validation of flight software for performance and reliability in operational environments.
• Drive system-level architecture for autonomy-related features, ensuring compliance with mission and system constraints.
• Document and maintain software development processes and support end-to-end mission requirements.
• Participate in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) software testing and simulation activities to validate flight software performance and autonomy functions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years experience developing and deploying software for space systems.
• Background in spacecraft mission operations or control systems.
• Strong programming skills in modern C++
• Expertise in real-time operating systems (RTOS) and software architecture for embedded systems.
• Experience with software verification and validation processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Eligible to hold a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with the entire spacecraft life-cycle, particularly in post-launch activities including commissioning, anomaly resolution, and day to day operations.
• Familiarity with machine learning applications in space systems.
• Experience with analytical programming languages such as Python, or similar languages.
• Knowledge of fault-tolerant software architectures.
• Experience with autonomy algorithms, such as path planning, state estimation, or AI-based decision-making.
• Experience with space communication protocols and interfaces.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior engineers.

Benefits

• Open Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Matching 
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
• Wellness Stipend
• Work From Home Stipend 
• Life Insurance 
• Long-term Disability plans
• Commuter Benefit
• Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.

Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person. 

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

We’re Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space. 

Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary pay range: $120,000 - $200,000