Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software
ALTEN Technology USA · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $180,000 / year
- United States
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Job highlights
- Develop satellite flight software for US platforms.
- Integrate GNC algorithms and new computer designs.
- Analyze software performance with custom tools.
- Conduct extensive verification and validation testing.
- Work with ground support and customer teams.
About the role
About ALTEN Technology USA
ALTEN Technology USA is an engineering company dedicated to bringing groundbreaking ideas to life across various sectors including space exploration, medical devices, and autonomous electric vehicles. With over 3,000 experts in North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more. As part of the global ALTEN Group, with over 57,000 engineers in 30 countries, we offer comprehensive services across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing. Joining ALTEN Technology USA means collaborating on challenging engineering projects, with access to mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We cultivate a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired.
Role Overview: Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software
As a Senior Software Engineer specializing in Flight Software, you will be instrumental in the development of new satellite flight software for U.S. satellite platforms. Your responsibilities will include supporting the development and integration of GNC algorithms, and contributing to the development and modification of flight software for new flight computer designs.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of new satellite flight software for U.S. satellite platforms.
- Support development and integration of GNC algorithms.
- Support development and modification of flight software hosted on new flight computer designs.
- Develop in-house tools to analyze flight software performance and assess its compatibility with new mission and conops.
- Develop and execute flight software verification and validation tests at the unit, module, subsystem, and platform level.
- Develop and execute FSW verification tests using both 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-based requirements.
- Develop and implement software and tools for ground support equipment to test and validate flight software.
- Contribute to document management, including versioning, bug reporting, and test plan documentation.
- Oversee and conduct official validation tests.
- Support working groups, both internal and with customers and/or vendors.
- Support proposal writing and new business development efforts.
- Assess the software impacts of new hardware, conops, and missions.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas. A Master's degree in a STEM field is preferred.
- Experience: A minimum of 9 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 7 years with a Master's degree. Proven track record working with space hardware and/or flight software systems from conceptual design through operations.
- Skills: Insatiable curiosity and a demonstrated ability to learn and work independently. Proficiency in C/C++. Expertise in one or more of the following: GNC algorithms design, analysis, testing, and implementation; New device bring-up; BSP implementation; Embedded software development and testing; Cybersecurity; Device driver development and testing of software/hardware interfaces; Real-time operating systems programming, debugging, and testing; Functional validation of embedded software on hardware; Software safety assurance; Network topology and configuration; Simulators (numerical, emulator, and hardware in the loop); Software requirements and configuration management.
Work Environment & Requirements
- Travel: Periodic travel (less than 20%) to U.S. facilities or partner companies. Occasional International travel to collaborate with European counterparts.
- Eligibility: US Citizenship is required. Ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance. An active DoD security clearance at Secret or above is highly desirable.
- Location: Can be fully remote. Preferred locations include Denver, CO, Arlington, VA, Merritt Island, FL, and Houston, TX.
Key skills/competency
- Flight Software Engineering
- C/C++
- GNC Algorithms
- Embedded Software
- Real-Time Operating Systems
- Software Verification and Validation
- Satellite Systems
- Hardware in the Loop (HIL)
- Aerospace Engineering
- Software Development
Skills & topics
- Senior Software Engineer
- Flight Software
- Satellite
- Aerospace
- C++
- Embedded Systems
- GNC
- Real-Time Operating Systems
- Verification and Validation
- HIL
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight C/C++ proficiency, GNC algorithms experience, and embedded systems knowledge relevant to flight software.
- Showcase your projects: Detail your experience with space hardware, flight software systems, and validation testing methodologies.
- Emphasize your skills: Clearly list expertise in real-time operating systems, cybersecurity, and software safety assurance.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your approach to debugging embedded systems and validating software on hardware.
- Demonstrate curiosity: Highlight your ability to learn independently and adapt to new challenges in aerospace engineering.
Technical preparation
Master C++ for embedded systems.,Study GNC algorithms and satellite systems.,Practice real-time OS debugging.,Prepare for HIL and V&V scenarios.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex technical challenge you solved.,How do you approach learning new technologies independently?,Share an experience working with customers or vendors.,How do you ensure software safety in critical systems?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key technical skills for the Senior Flight Software Engineer role at ALTEN Technology USA?
- The Senior Flight Software Engineer role at ALTEN Technology USA requires strong proficiency in C/C++. Key technical skills also include expertise in GNC algorithms, embedded software development, real-time operating systems, and software verification and validation. Experience with satellite systems, Hardware in the Loop (HIL) testing, and knowledge of cybersecurity and software safety assurance are highly beneficial.
- Is US Citizenship required for the Senior Flight Software Engineer position at ALTEN Technology USA?
- Yes, US Citizenship is an absolute requirement for this Senior Flight Software Engineer position due to the nature of the work involving US satellite platforms and the potential need for government security clearance.
- What is the expected travel percentage for the Senior Flight Software Engineer role?
- The Senior Flight Software Engineer role involves periodic travel, estimated at less than 20%, to U.S. facilities or partner companies. Occasional international travel may also be required to collaborate with European counterparts.
- Can I work remotely as a Senior Flight Software Engineer at ALTEN Technology USA?
- Yes, this Senior Flight Software Engineer position can be fully remote. However, preferred locations for candidates are Denver, CO, Arlington, VA, Merritt Island, FL, and Houston, TX, suggesting potential benefits or collaboration opportunities in these areas.
- What kind of experience is needed for the Senior Flight Software Engineer job?
- For the Senior Flight Software Engineer position, a minimum of 9 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree or 7 years with a Master's degree is required. This experience should include a proven track record in space hardware and/or flight software systems, covering the entire lifecycle from conceptual design to operations.
- Does ALTEN Technology USA offer career growth opportunities for Senior Flight Software Engineers?
- Yes, ALTEN Technology USA emphasizes career growth opportunities for its employees. As a Senior Flight Software Engineer, you can expect to collaborate on challenging projects, receive mentorship, and be supported in your professional development within the aerospace sector.
- What is the salary range for the Senior Flight Software Engineer position?
- The salary range for the Senior Flight Software Engineer position at ALTEN Technology USA is between $135,000 and $180,000 annually. The final offered salary will depend on factors such as location, qualifications, skills, education, and experience.