Senior Flight Software Engineer

Job Description
The Flight Software Engineer plays a key role in the Satellite Embedded Software Group, serving as a hands-on individual contributor and technical leader for satellite imaging payload and attitude determination and control (ADCS) subsystems. In this role, you design, develop, and support mission-critical flight software, contribute to requirements and test planning, and collaborate closely with embedded systems, satellite operations, and mission management teams. You will have the opportunity to influence multiple high-impact programs from design through execution and to grow into broader subsystem ownership and mentorship responsibilities. This position offers a hybrid work option with a preferred location in Tukwila, WA, as well as consideration for remote candidates.
Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise for ADCS and imaging payload subsystem software design and development, ensuring robust, reliable, and maintainable flight software.
• Design, implement, and maintain flight software features for satellite imaging payloads and ADCS subsystems, focusing on mission-critical performance and quality.
• Drive assigned work to timely completion using task management tools such as Jira in an Agile-like environment, actively participating in and leading status meetings, standups, sprint planning, and task breakdown.
• Collaborate closely with other Embedded Software Group team members and cross-functional engineers from multiple disciplines to deliver on-time, defect-free software features and bug fixes.
• Ensure that documentation, testing, inspection, and analysis are adequately planned and executed to verify compliance with system requirements and program goals.
• Assist Systems Engineering teams with requirements development, refinement, and ongoing requirements management for flight software subsystems.
• Execute and provide feedback on flight software design, development, unit testing, integration, and release processes, continuously improving tools and workflows.
• Support board bring-up and integration activities for embedded Linux platforms where applicable, working closely with hardware and systems engineers.
• Lead and influence cross-functional engineering efforts to drive delivery across teams, helping to keep programs on schedule and aligned with technical objectives.
• Perform root cause analysis and problem solving for complex software and system issues, proposing and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in written and verbal forms with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders, providing status updates and technical insight.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, taking ownership of tasks and proactively identifying and addressing risks and issues.
• Contribute to mentorship and knowledge sharing within the team as you grow in the role, helping to elevate engineering standards and best practices.
• Carry out other job-related duties as assigned in support of satellite flight software development and operations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 10 years of experience delivering and maintaining commercial or embedded software in a production environment.
• Expert-level ability to engineer clean, maintainable, and efficient C/C++ code for embedded and flight software applications.
• Strong proficiency in Python for tooling, automation, testing, and embedded software support workflows.
• Hands-on experience with embedded systems, ideally including Embedded Linux platforms and environments.
• Expertise with embedded Linux build systems and related tools such as Buildroot and Yocto.
• Proven experience delivering production embedded software for mission-critical or hardware-integrated systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and engineering efforts to deliver products on time and within scope.
• Outstanding root cause analysis and problem-solving skills for complex software and system issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and skill sets.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse environment and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, taking ownership of tasks and driving them to completion.
• Capability to support programs that may require US citizenship, in accordance with applicable program requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with board bring-up for embedded Linux platforms, including low-level software and hardware integration.
• Familiarity with hardware interfaces such as GPIO, I2C, SPI, CAN, USART, PHY, SpaceWire, Cameralink, and RS-422.
• Experience working with high-speed interfaces including 10G Ethernet, DMA, and PCIe.
• Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems, including FreeRTOS, for embedded and flight software applications.
• Familiarity with boot loaders such as U-Boot or similar technologies for embedded systems.
• Space industry experience, particularly in satellite systems and payloads.
• Experience working on embedded software related to ADCS and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).
• Knowledge of satellite payload systems and imaging applications.
• Exposure to tools and workflows commonly used in embedded development such as Buildroot, Yocto, and related ecosystems.

Work Environment
This role is offered in a hybrid or remote work arrangement, with a preferred location in Tukwila, WA. The ideal scenario allows the engineer to work in the Tukwila office 1-2 days per week while performing the remainder of duties remotely. You will work within a global, collaborative engineering environment that focuses on real-time satellite intelligence, embedded systems, and mission-critical flight software. The team uses modern Agile-like practices, task management tools such as Jira, and contemporary embedded Linux technologies and toolchains. The culture emphasizes being people-first, customer-focused, and engaging, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact across multiple critical satellite programs while working with cutting-edge space and software technologies.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Tukwila, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $155000.00 - $180000.00/yr.
Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses! 15 days of PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match Flexible Spending Accounts Employee Stock Purchase Program Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs Employer matching donations Professional development Awesome swag
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Tukwila,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.
About Actalent


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