Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software
ALTEN Technology USA · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $157,500 / year
- United States
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Job highlights
- Develop satellite flight software and GNC algorithms.
- Test flight software on digital twins and HIL.
- Work with C++, embedded systems, and RTOS.
- Requires 7-9 years STEM experience.
- Fully remote possible, US citizen required.
About the role
About ALTEN Technology USA
ALTEN Technology USA is an engineering company dedicated to bringing groundbreaking ideas to life across various industries, including space exploration, medical devices, and autonomous electric vehicles. With over 3,000 experts in North America and as part of the global ALTEN Group (57,000+ engineers in 30 countries), we offer comprehensive services across the entire product development cycle. Join us to collaborate on challenging engineering projects, with opportunities for mentorship, career growth, and comprehensive benefits in a supportive and inspiring culture.Job Overview: Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software
As a Senior Software Engineer specializing in Flight Software, you will be instrumental in developing and enhancing flight software for U.S. satellite platforms. This role involves supporting the development and integration of GNC algorithms, working with new flight computer designs, and creating in-house tools for performance analysis and mission compatibility assessment.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 verifications tests using proprietary satellite digital twin software and 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.
- Contribute to document management, including versioning, bug reporting, and test plan documentation.
- Oversee and conduct official validation tests.
- Support working groups with internal teams, customers, and 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 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 throughout the entire lifecycle (design, development, integration, test, deployment, operations).
- Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:
- 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, hardware in the loop); Software requirements and configuration management.
Additional 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 (Secret or above) is highly desirable.
Compensation and Location
- Salary Range: $135K - $180K annually. Actual salary depends on location, candidate's knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience.
- Location: Can be fully remote. Preferred locations: Denver, CO; Arlington, VA; Merritt Island, FL; and Houston, TX.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or veteran status. We are a federal contractor subject to VEVRAA and Executive Order 11246.Compliance Notice
As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All selected candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment drug screening.Key skills/competency
- Software Engineer
- Flight Software
- C++
- Embedded Systems
- GNC Algorithms
- Satellite Systems
- Verification and Validation
- Real-time Operating Systems
- Hardware in the Loop
- Aerospace Engineering
Skills & topics
- Software Engineer
- Flight Software
- C++
- Embedded Systems
- Aerospace
- Satellite Systems
- GNC Algorithms
- Verification and Validation
- Real-time Operating Systems
- Hardware in the Loop
- STEM
- Senior Engineer
- US Citizen
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your C++, embedded systems, and flight software experience, especially in aerospace. Quantify achievements with specific project details and years of experience.
- Showcase your skills: Emphasize your expertise in GNC algorithms, verification/validation, and real-time operating systems. Include any experience with satellite digital twins or Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing.
- Address requirements directly: Ensure your application clearly shows your STEM degree, relevant years of experience, and US citizenship. Mention your ability to obtain a security clearance if applicable.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss C++ coding challenges, embedded system design, and debugging scenarios relevant to flight software development.
- Understand the company: Research ALTEN Technology USA's projects in aerospace, medical devices, and automotive to articulate your interest and fit during the interview.
Technical preparation
Master C++ for embedded flight software.,Study GNC algorithms and real-time systems.,Practice embedded software testing techniques.,Familiarize with HIL and digital twin concepts.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex flight software challenge.,How do you ensure software safety and reliability?,Share an example of independent problem-solving.,Discuss collaborating with customers or vendors.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software role at ALTEN Technology USA?
- The salary range for the Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software position at ALTEN Technology USA is $135,000 to $180,000 annually. The final offer will be based on factors such as your specific location, qualifications, skills, and overall experience.
- Is this Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software position remote or on-site?
- This Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software position can be fully remote. However, ALTEN Technology USA has preferred locations in Denver, CO; Arlington, VA; Merritt Island, FL; and Houston, TX, should you prefer a hybrid or on-site arrangement.
- What are the primary technical skills required for the Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software role?
- Key technical skills for the Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software role include strong proficiency in C/C++, expertise in GNC algorithms, embedded software development, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and experience with verification and validation testing, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations.
- What is the minimum education and experience required for this Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software position?
- A Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is the minimum educational requirement. You'll need at least 9 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's, or 7 years with a Master's degree, particularly in space hardware or flight software systems.
- Do I need to be a US citizen for the Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software job?
- Yes, US Citizenship is a mandatory requirement for the Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software position due to the nature of the work and potential security clearance requirements.
- Is a security clearance required for the Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software role?
- While not mandatory at the time of application, 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 Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software role.
- What kind of testing is involved for the Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software position?
- The Senior Software Engineer - Flight Software will be involved in developing and executing flight software verification and validation tests at multiple levels (unit, module, subsystem, platform). This includes testing using satellite digital twin software and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) FlatSats, as well as ground support equipment.
- Does ALTEN Technology USA offer career growth opportunities for Senior Software Engineers?
- Yes, ALTEN Technology USA emphasizes career growth opportunities, mentorship, and supports employees in developing their skills and advancing their careers within the company. They foster a culture where employees are inspired to grow.