Job Information
Actalent Senior Flight Software Engineer in Lanham, Maryland
Embedded Flight Software Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer with extensive experience in embedded flight software and FPGA/SoC development. This role involves developing core flight software for current on-orbit satellite fleets and future satellite constellations. The position includes leadership responsibilities, acting as a representative for architectural decisions, cross-team collaboration, and schedule management.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and test new embedded flight software from concept through subsystem integration and full system deployment.
Maintain and modify HDL code to meet mission and spacecraft functionality requirements.
Integrate mission-specific microcontroller software into systems capable of full spacecraft control.
Serve as a technical leader within the Flight Software Team, guiding requirements through completion.
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to architect new spacecraft features and capabilities.
Ensure software is robust, reliable, and aligned with mission objectives and timelines.
Essential Skills
Proficiency in C and C++, including modern C++ (C++11 and beyond).
Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), including FreeRTOS.
Expertise with FPGAs/SoCs and hardware description languages (Verilog, VHDL, or similar).
Experience with logic simulation and HDL design verification.
Strong understanding of multi-threaded environments, concurrency, and inter-process communication.
Familiarity with serial communication protocols (RS-232, RS-485, CAN, SPI).
Experience with debugging interfaces such as SWD and JTAG.
Proficiency with laboratory tools including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.
Ability to read and interpret circuit diagrams and hardware schematics.
Comfortable in Linux environments and command-line workflows.
Familiarity with modern development practices: Git, unit testing, continuous integration, Jira, etc.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
US Citizenship required.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
Minimum of 6+ years of professional experience in embedded programming and flight or mission-critical systems.
Work Environment
The role is based in the Lanham, Maryland office. It offers the opportunity to contribute to a pioneering global satellite-to-cellular network, with high ownership, rapid learning, and real-world impact, balanced against the demands of a fast-scaling aerospace startup.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Lanham, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $150000.00/yr.
Comprehensive benefits are offered as this is a direct placement role.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Lanham,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Mar 20, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.