Senior Flight Software Engineer (Secret)

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer with deep experience in embedded flight software and FPGA/SoC development to join our Flight Software Team in our U.S. office. This engineer will be responsible for developing core flight software for both our current on‑orbit satellite fleet and future satellite constellations. The role also includes a leadership component, serving as a forward‑facing representative for architectural decisions, cross‑team collaboration, and schedule ownership.

Location:

• Current location in Lanham, MD.
• Moving to hybrid remote site in Tysons, VA in Summer of 2026

Key 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.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field- required 

Experience:

• Minimum of 6+ years of professional experience in embedded programming and flight or mission‑critical systems.
• Hands‑on experience supporting development, integration, and deployment of embedded systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with STM32 processors.
• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python, Ruby, or Bash.
• Experience using CMake, Ninja, or other modern cross‑compilation build systems.
• Background supporting integration and test activities for aerospace or real‑time embedded systems.

Soft Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to extract, clarify, and document detailed technical requirements.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to track deadlines, deliverables, and team commitments.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy across documentation, code, testing, and project deliverables.

Technology Stack:

• 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.

Compensation:

• Pay range: $140,000 - $165,000 (Based on years of relevant experience)

Benefits: 

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, federal holidays, and sick leave.

Application Period: Opens on 03/10/2026 and will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

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