Senior Flight Software Engineer
Designs, develops, and tests real-time embedded flight software for missile systems at an early-stage defense company, collaborating with GNC, systems, and hardware teams. Core work is C/C++ on real-time operating systems, with simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and flight testing in safety-critical environments.
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Torrance, CA
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Senior
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- 7+ years
- Category
- Software engineering
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 7+ years of professional experience in embedded software or real-time systems
- Proficiency in C/C++ and experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
- Familiarity with hardware/software integration and real-time system constraints
- Experience working with GNC systems or similar control-intensive applications
- Strong understanding of testing practices including simulation and HIL environments
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment
- Active or eligible for a Top-Secret security clearance
Nice to have
- Experience developing flight software for missile, launch vehicle, or spacecraft systems
- Exposure to FPGA-based systems and embedded software optimization techniques
- Knowledge of secure software development and cybersecurity best practices
- Familiarity with agile or iterative development methodologies
- Hands-on experience with software verification, validation, and integration in defense environments
Full description
Why Castelion, Why Now
Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus, ownership, and excellence are decisive advantages - and we're building a world-class team to turn bold ideas into real capability.
This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where you'll have significant ownership, collaborate with exceptional teammates, and make a direct, measurable impact on our mission and the future of the company - regardless of your function.
Senior Flight Software Engineer
As a Senior Flight Software Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and testing flight software that powers these advanced systems. You'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-performance, real-time embedded software that operates reliably under extreme conditions.
This is a hands-on role for an engineer who thrives on solving hard problems, building robust systems from the ground up, and moving fast without compromising quality.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and test real-time embedded flight software for missile systems
- Collaborate with GNC engineers, systems engineers, and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration
- Implement and maintain software for high-reliability, safety-critical environments
- Support simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight testing to validate performance
- Participate in root cause analysis and debugging across software and system interfaces
- Follow rigorous software lifecycle practices, including configuration management and verification
- Contribute to defining and improving development processes, tools, and standards
- Stay informed on emerging technologies and best practices relevant to flight software and real-time systems
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelors or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- Experience: 7+ years of professional experience in embedded software or real-time systems
- Proficiency in C/C++ and experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
- Familiarity with hardware/software integration and real-time system constraints
- Experience working with GNC systems or similar control-intensive applications
- Strong understanding of testing practices including simulation and HIL environments
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail