Spacecraft Flight Software Engineer

M9 Solutions is seeking a Spacecraft Flight Software Engineer to work onsite in support of a government contract for a client located in Los Angeles, CA. An active Top Secret clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain spacecraft FSW architecture.
• Implement new software components and communication protocols to support mission-specific payload requirements.
• Ensure the smooth operation of core system tasks, including telemetry collection, precise time-stamping, rate group scheduling, and robust bus communications.
• Develop drivers and logic for interfacing with FPGAs and GPIOs to control spacecraft hardware.
• Design and manage memory storage solutions, making critical design decisions regarding volatile vs non-volatile memory to ensure data integrity.
• Develop and implement critical boot behaviors, partition swapping logic, and fail-safe recovery modes.
• Manage the codebase using Gitlab, including the development and maintenance of CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and development.
• Execute comprehensive test campaigns on flatsat testbeds and flight units to verify software performance under flight-like conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate subsystems with the spacecraft main compute element.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Document design processes, test results, and system performance.
• Provide technical guidance on FSW architectures to fellow engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, or similar field.
• 5-7 years of flight software experience in aerospace or related fields, with heavy emphasis on hands-on spacecraft code development and testing.
• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, and embedded Linux.
• Strong proficiency with Gitlab and CI/CD workflows.
• Strong ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic environment while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Must possess or be willing and eligible to obtain a United States Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Proficiency in frameworks such as FPrime or CFS, and strong grasp of core computer architecture principles including operating systems, memory architecture, and I/O interfaces.
• Demonstrated expertise with hardware-level protocols (I2C, CAN, UART, RS485, etc.) and interfacing with FPGAs and GPIOs.
• Experience working in clean room environments and adhering to ESD protocols.
• Experience with memory management, file systems, and bootloader development for embedded systems.

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