Job Title: Flight Software EngineerJob DescriptionThe Flight Software Engineer plays a key role in the full software development lifecycle for satellite and lander aerospace programs. This role focuses on designing, developing, and integrating C++ software for simulation, ground, and flight systems, ensuring reliable performance in demanding aerospace environments. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate software with hardware and support mission-critical operations.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain flight software for satellite and lander aerospace programs across the full software development lifecycle.
- Develop C++ software for simulation, ground systems, and flight systems, ensuring high performance, reliability, and maintainability.
- Use NASA Trick and other simulation software tools to build, validate, and refine simulation models that support flight and ground operations.
- Collaborate with hardware, systems, and other engineering disciplines to integrate software into embedded hardware platforms.
- Implement, test, and debug embedded software in a Linux environment, ensuring compatibility with mission requirements and system constraints.
- Participate in code reviews, integration testing, and system-level validation to ensure software quality and adherence to engineering standards.
- Troubleshoot and resolve software issues in simulation, ground, and flight environments, providing technical support as needed.
- Contribute to documentation of software design, interfaces, and test procedures to support ongoing development and future maintenance.
Essential Skills
- At least 2 years of flight software experience in aerospace or closely related environments.
- Strong proficiency in C++ for embedded, simulation, ground, or flight software development.
- Hands-on experience with flight software, ground software, or simulation software in operational or test environments.
- Experience working with simulation software tools such as NASA Trick or similar platforms.
- Proficiency in Linux for software development, deployment, and debugging.
- Bachelors degree in software engineering, computer science, or a closely related technical discipline.
- Solid understanding of embedded software development principles, including real-time constraints and hardwaresoftware integration.
- Demonstrated ability to participate in the full software development lifecycle, from requirements through design, implementation, testing, and integration.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with additional C or C/C++ development in embedded or systems-level contexts.
- Background in aerospace, satellite, or lander programs, or other mission-critical systems.
- Familiarity with ground systems software and tools used to support flight operations and mission control.
- Understanding of simulation methodologies and model-based development for complex systems.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment and communicate clearly with hardware and systems teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on debugging complex software and integration issues.
- Attention to detail and commitment to producing reliable, well-tested software for high-consequence applications.
Work EnvironmentThis position is based onsite in a collaborative aerospace engineering environment, working closely with teams developing satellite and lander programs. You will use Linux-based development systems, C++ toolchains, and simulation platforms such as NASA Trick to build and test flight and ground software. The work setting emphasizes teamwork, technical excellence, and rigorous testing to support mission success, with regular interaction across software, hardware, and systems engineering disciplines. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.