Senior Flight Software Engineer (GNC Focused)

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward.

As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) focused Senior Flight Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and implement advanced GNC algorithms and software for deployment on space hardware. You will contribute to Scout’s optical payload systems by implementing GNC flight software, conducting component-level and full-stack testing of payloads systems, and supporting post-flight operations and anomaly resolution. Your work will directly contribute to the next generation of intelligent satellite operations, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and scalability. Your contributions will impact the organization's ability to meet market demands, comply with industry standards, and maintain a competitive edge.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Scout’s flight software on flight hardware to meet mission requirements.
• Contribute to the development of algorithms for onboard motion control, space target tracking, own ship awareness, fault detection/recovery, and GNC methods more generally.
• Translate GNC algorithms into flight-ready software, ensuring efficiency, robustness, and adherence to coding standards.
• Integrate sensor models (IMUs, star trackers, GPS, etc.) and actuator models (thrusters, reaction wheels, control moment gyros) into GNC systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate flight software and GNC into spacecraft design and mission operations.
• Perform verification and validation of flight software for performance and reliability in operational environments.
• Drive system-level architecture for GNC-related features, ensuring compliance with mission and system constraints.
• Document and maintain software development processes and support end-to-end mission requirements.
• Participate in hardware/software-in-the-loop (H/SITL) software testing and simulation activities to validate flight software performance and GNC functions.
• Assist with mission planning, anomaly resolution, and post-flight data analysis.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years experience developing and deploying software for space systems.
• Background in spacecraft mission operations or SDA/GNC systems.
• Strong programming skills in modern C++and Python
• Expertise in real-time operating systems (RTOS) and software architecture for embedded systems.
• Experience with software verification and validation processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Solid understanding of spacecraft control theory, estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering), and orbital mechanics.
• Eligible to hold a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s in GNC or related discipline. 
• Direct experience with the entire spacecraft life-cycle, particularly in post-launch activities including commissioning, anomaly resolution, and day to day operations.
• Familiarity with SDA/GNC applications in space systems.
• Knowledge of fault-tolerant software architectures.
• Experience with space communication protocols and interfaces.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior engineers.

Benefits

• Open Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
• Wellness Stipend
• Work From Home Stipend
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability plans
• Commuter Benefit
• Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.

Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.

Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

We’re Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.