Principal Software Engineer - Flight Test & Integration
ALTEN Technology USA · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $220,000 / year
- United States
Tailored resume — keyword-matched to this role.
Hiring manager — we find who's hiring.
Intro email — drafted to reach them directly.
Job highlights
- Develop and execute flight software tests.
- Create tools for ground support equipment.
- Manage documentation and conduct validation.
- Upgrade and develop satellite flight software.
- Analyze software performance and compatibility.
About the role
Principal Software Engineer - Flight Test & Integration
ALTEN Technology USA is seeking a Principal Software Engineer specializing in Flight Test & Integration to join our team. We partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, and more, helping them bring groundbreaking ideas to life. As part of the global ALTEN Group, you'll collaborate on challenging engineering projects, with opportunities for mentorship, career growth, and comprehensive benefits in a supportive culture.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute Flight Software (FSW) verification tests using proprietary satellite digital twin software and a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) FlatSat.
- Establish and document test methodologies and descriptions to ensure compliance with customer requirements.
- Develop and implement software and tools for ground support equipment to test and validate flight software.
- Manage documentation, including versioning, bug reporting, and test plan documentation.
- Oversee and conduct official validation tests.
- Upgrade existing flight software for new missions.
- Contribute to the development of new satellite flight software for U.S. satellite platforms.
- Develop in-house tools to analyze flight software performance and assess compatibility with new missions and concepts of operations (conops).
- Execute flight software verification and validation tests at the unit, module, subsystem, and platform levels.
- Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to support installation onto HIL test environments and eventual flight hardware.
- Participate in anomaly resolution and patch existing flight software.
- Support working groups, both internal and with customers/vendors.
- Assist in proposal writing and new business development.
- Assess the software impacts of new hardware, conops, and missions.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in STEM or related scientific areas. Master's degree preferred.
- Experience: Minimum 15 years with a Bachelor's or 12 years with a Master's degree. Proven track record with space hardware and/or flight software systems through the full development lifecycle.
- Skills: Insatiable curiosity, ability to learn and work independently.
- Technical Proficiency: C/C++, Embedded software development and testing, Test scripting (TCL/Python), Device driver development, Real-time operating systems programming/debugging/testing, Cybersecurity, GNC algorithms, Functional validation of embedded software, Software safety assurance, Network topology and configuration, Simulators (numerical, emulator, HIL), Software requirements and configuration management.
Additional Details:
- Travel: Periodic (less than 20%) to U.S. facilities or partner companies; occasional international travel.
- Eligibility: US Citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance. Active DoD clearance (Secret or above) highly desirable.
- Salary Range: $150K - $220K, dependent on qualifications and experience.
- Location: Fully remote. Preferred locations: Denver, CO; Arlington, VA; Merritt Island, FL; Houston, TX.
Key skills/competency:
- Principal Software Engineer
- Flight Test
- Integration
- Aerospace
- Satellite Software
- Embedded Systems
- Verification and Validation
- C/C++
- Python
- Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)
Skills & topics
- Principal Software Engineer
- Software Engineering
- Flight Test
- Integration
- Aerospace
- Satellite Systems
- Embedded Software
- Verification and Validation
- C++
- Python
- TCL
- Hardware-in-the-Loop
- HIL
- Real-time Operating Systems
- GNC
- US Citizen
- Security Clearance
- Remote Work
- STEM
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 15+ years of STEM experience and specific aerospace/flight software projects, using keywords from the job description like 'C/C++', 'HIL', and 'embedded systems'.
- Showcase technical expertise: Emphasize your proficiency in C/C++, test scripting (TCL/Python), real-time operating systems, and GNC algorithms in your application and cover letter.
- Demonstrate problem-solving: Prepare to discuss how you've handled anomaly resolution, upgraded flight software, and contributed to new mission development.
- Highlight security clearance: If you possess an active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), make this prominent on your resume and application.
- Express curiosity: Convey your insatiable curiosity and independent learning ability, crucial traits for this Principal Software Engineer role.
Technical preparation
Master C/C++ for embedded systems.,Practice test scripting with TCL/Python.,Study real-time operating systems.,Review GNC algorithms and safety assurance.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex integration challenge.,How do you ensure software safety?,Share an example of independent learning.,Discuss your experience with customer collaboration.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Principal Software Engineer - Flight Test & Integration role at ALTEN Technology USA?
- The salary range for this Principal Software Engineer position at ALTEN Technology USA is $150,000 to $220,000 annually. The final salary offered will depend on your specific qualifications, experience, skills, and location.
- Is US Citizenship required for the Principal Software Engineer - Flight Test & Integration position?
- Yes, US Citizenship is a mandatory requirement for this Principal Software Engineer role due to the nature of the work involving government security clearances and sensitive aerospace projects.
- What are the preferred locations for the remote Principal Software Engineer role?
- While the Principal Software Engineer - Flight Test & Integration role is fully remote, ALTEN Technology USA has preferred locations which include Denver, CO; Arlington, VA; Merritt Island, FL; and Houston, TX.
- What level of security clearance is desirable for this position?
- While the ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance is required, an active DoD security clearance at the Secret or above level is highly desirable for the Principal Software Engineer - Flight Test & Integration role.
- What programming languages are essential for the Principal Software Engineer role?
- Proficiency in C/C++ is essential for the Principal Software Engineer position. Expertise in test scripting languages like TCL/Python is also a key skill required for this role.
- Does ALTEN Technology USA offer opportunities for career growth for engineers?
- Yes, ALTEN Technology USA fosters a culture of career growth, offering mentorship and opportunities for employees to develop and advance their careers while working on challenging engineering projects.
- What kind of testing environments will I be working with as a Principal Software Engineer?
- As a Principal Software Engineer, you will work with both proprietary satellite digital twin software and a Hardware in the Loop (HIL) FlatSat system for flight software verification and testing.