Senior Flight Software Engineer

Stratolaunch accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through reusable hypersonic flight testing. Our autonomous, air-launched Talon-A vehicles provide access to operationally realistic flight environments at speeds exceeding Mach 5, delivering critical data that helps customers validate system performance and advance technologies toward deployment. Our team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to solve complex challenges and advance capabilities essential to national security.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Sr., or Staff level Embedded Software Engineer to participate in the development and testing of flight software for an autonomous, air-launched, hypersonic test vehicle. You will contribute to multiple phases of the software development lifecycle and collaborate with other personnel throughout system development, ground test, and flight test. You will integrate the vehicle management system application code in addition to the development of subsystem management code.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and test new flight software in support of advanced rocket-powered air-launch vehicle systems

• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand challenges and develop software requirements and solutions

• Support flight software architecture development, both concept and implementation

• Develop software components to interface with and control vehicle sensors and effectors

• Develop and execute automated software test processes in support of software verification and validation

• Support various lab/bench hardware tests with custom software

• Contribute to hardware integration with the development of interface documents

• Support integration of the air-launch vehicle systems with the carrier aircraft

• Perform design and/or analysis to support component development

• Provide technical guidance for projects within the larger program

• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

• Travel, as needed, to support the department

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• Must demonstrate the ability to perform the Essential Responsibilities

• Experience with real-time embedded software development

• Experience with serial communications, software test, and computer networking

• Communication standards and protocols e.g. RS422, UDP/TCP

• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

• Ability to work on your own initiative, prioritize tasking, and coordinate with VMS lead to accomplish VMS goals

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

• C++ 2014 and Python programming languages

• Real-time operating systems (VxWorks, FreeRTOS, Linux, etc.)

• Proficient in version control tools (Git, Bitbucket, etc.)

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Flight computer and/or vehicle management computer software development, test, and integration

• Agile Software Development methodologies

• Safety-critical system design standards

• Hardware in the loop simulation and testing

• Experience with Linux operating systems

• Digital and analog circuit design

• TS/SCI security clearance

Preferred Computer Skills:

• Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira, Bitbucket

• Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink

• Familiarity with LabVIEW

• Familiarity with Python

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Sr Level ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

• Staff Level ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Position based in Mojave, CA. Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on-site work) work location arrangements.

• Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <5%

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits ( and our location(s) ( :

• Healthcare ( medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs )

• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave

• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500

• Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :

Job Category: Engineering

Req ID: 368