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Lead Flight Software Engineer

About Gravitics 

At Gravitics, we're not exploring space—we're building it. We're creating the infrastructure for a thriving space economy, enabling humanity to flourish beyond Earth. Our vision is bold, but we're not just dreamers; we're doers. We design and manufacture the large-scale structures that power human and robotic activity in Earth orbit and beyond. If you're ready to lay the foundations for a new era in space, embrace a culture of relentless learning and innovation, and contribute towards a future where humanity's reach extends farther, Gravitics is the place for you. Let's build the future, together. 


About the Role  

Gravitics is looking for a Lead Flight Software Engineer to drive the architecture and the design of software for our vehicles. You will develop fault-tolerant code for safety-critical systems and work closely with the Avionics team to integrate the software with hardware. You will directly influence the design of simulation, ground, data acquisition, and database software for all Gravitics endeavors.  


About You 

You’re a successful candidate if you are a giver. You have an ability to make things happen. You are exceptional at several things, yet willing to take on efforts in areas of weakness. 

 


Responsibilities
  • Own the complete lifecycle of Flight Software, including design, testing, and mission integration 
  • Work cross functionally with other disciplines such as GNC, Propulsion, Avionics, Power, and more to support algorithm design and implementation into the Flight Software 
  • Evaluate and integrate third party software toolkits into overall software stack to leverage existing functionality 
  • Establish coding standards and drive best practices for code development and reviews 
  • Develop unit-level through end-to-end software test campaigns 
  • Deploy and maintain multiple software systems across Gravitics spacecraft  
  • Assess changes to software configurations and design modifications from cross-team impacts 
  • Buildthe team, including hiring, training, managing performance, and mentoring  


Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of industry experience in fault-tolerant and safety-critical software 
  • 1+ years of leadership experience or senior technical role
  • Proficiency in C++ and Python 
  • Strong experience in Git, Cmake, and GNU tools 
  • Solid understanding of real-time systems and deep understanding of Linux kernel drivers 
  • Bachelor’s or graduate degree in an applicable field 


Bonus Points For
  • Proven history of successful software in launch vehicles or space systems 
  • Knowledge of developing software for human-rated space systems 
  • Familiarity in driving software certification for regulatory safety and compliance 
  • Experience in profiling and benchmarking software quality metrics 
  • Knowledge in implementing timing and data encryption techniques 
  • Experience in network programming 


$140,000 - $220,000 a year
Compensation and Benefits 
Your level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the considerations of job-related knowledge and skills, education, and direct experience.  

Salary is just one component of the total employee package, which also includes company equity at an exciting time of company growth, as well as comprehensive medical, 401(k) retirement plan, a generous PTO policy, employee discounts, and more. 

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 


Gravitics is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Gravitics is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. 

Average salary estimate

$180000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$140000K
$220000K

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What You Should Know About Lead Flight Software Engineer, Gravitics

At Gravitics, we believe that building the future of humanity beyond Earth requires innovative and skilled individuals. As our Lead Flight Software Engineer, you’ll play a crucial role in driving the architecture and design of software for our cutting-edge vehicles. Here in Marysville, Washington, you'll be at the forefront of developing fault-tolerant code for safety-critical systems, closely collaborating with our Avionics team to seamlessly integrate software with hardware. Your expertise will guide the design of simulation and data acquisition software, making a significant impact on all Gravitics missions. Our ideal candidate is someone who possesses a mix of strong technical skills and a passion for teamwork. You will own the complete lifecycle of Flight Software, champion coding standards, and spearhead the best practices for code development. You'll work cross-functionally, interfacing with other teams to support algorithm design and implementation in our flight software. With a background of at least 5 years in fault-tolerant software development, complemented by leadership experience, your knowledge in C++, Python, and Linux will be invaluable. Join us in this exciting venture to create a robust infrastructure for the burgeoning space economy and help humanity extend its reach across the cosmos!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Lead Flight Software Engineer Role at Gravitics
What are the responsibilities of a Lead Flight Software Engineer at Gravitics?

The Lead Flight Software Engineer at Gravitics is responsible for owning the entire lifecycle of Flight Software. This includes its design, testing, and mission integration. The role involves working cross-functionally with team members from different disciplines such as GNC, Propulsion, and Avionics to support the implementation of algorithms. Additionally, you'll be establishing coding standards, developing testing campaigns, and deploying software systems across various Gravitics spacecraft.

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What qualifications are required to be a Lead Flight Software Engineer at Gravitics?

To qualify for the Lead Flight Software Engineer position at Gravitics, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of industry experience in developing fault-tolerant and safety-critical software. A bachelor’s or graduate degree in a relevant field is required, along with proficiency in C++ and Python. Strong experience in version control and build systems like Git and CMake, as well as a solid understanding of real-time systems, is essential.

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Can you explain the software lifecycle responsibilities for the Lead Flight Software Engineer at Gravitics?

As a Lead Flight Software Engineer at Gravitics, you will manage the complete lifecycle of Flight Software from design to testing and mission integration. This involves developing robust and fault-tolerant software that meets safety regulations, collaborating with various technical teams, and ensuring that all software operates smoothly in our spacecraft systems.

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What skills are bonus points for the Lead Flight Software Engineer position at Gravitics?

While not mandatory, bonus skills for a Lead Flight Software Engineer at Gravitics include experience with successful software implementations in launch vehicles or space systems. Knowledge of developing software for human-rated space missions, understanding of software compliance and certification, and familiarity with network programming are additional assets that can enhance your application.

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Is leadership experience necessary for the Lead Flight Software Engineer at Gravitics?

Yes, at least one year of leadership experience or serving in a senior technical role is requiredfor the Lead Flight Software Engineer position at Gravitics. The role involves not only technical skills but also the ability to mentor and guide a team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

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Common Interview Questions for Lead Flight Software Engineer
What experience do you have with fault-tolerant software development?

When answering this question, highlight your specific projects where you developed fault-tolerant software. Discuss the methods you used to ensure reliability and safety, as well as any particular challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

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How do you ensure the integration of software with hardware in aerospace systems?

Describe your approach to cross-functional collaboration. Provide examples where you worked closely with hardware teams to understand system requirements and integrate software effectively, ensuring a seamless collaboration that results in operational software.

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Can you provide an example of a time you had to implement coding standards?

Use this opportunity to discuss your philosophy on software quality. Mention a specific instance where you established coding standards that improved the team's workflow or quality of the software product and how this led to better performance.

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What experience do you have with C++ and Python in safety-critical applications?

Discuss your adeptness in using C++ and Python, particularly in developing safety-critical systems. Mention specific projects where you utilized these programming languages and how they contributed to mission success.

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How do you approach unit testing and test campaigns for software?

Explain your methodology for designing and executing testing campaigns, emphasizing the importance of unit testing in validating software functionality. Provide examples of your successful testing strategies and their impact on product quality.

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What challenges have you faced when working with cross-functional teams?

Reflect on a situation where differing priorities or communication styles led to challenges, and how you addressed these to foster better collaboration. Emphasizing communication and teamwork will show your ability to work effectively in a diverse environment.

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Describe your experience with real-time operating systems.

Here, highlight specific examples of your work with real-time operating systems, and discuss the unique challenges you navigated, along with the solutions you provided.

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What strategies do you employ for software quality assurance?

Detail your strategies for ensuring software quality, such as code reviews, adherence to coding standards, automated testing, or utilizing metrics and benchmarks to measure software performance.

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How do you approach mentoring junior engineers?

Discuss your mentoring style, providing specific examples of how you've guided junior engineers in their development, helped them with challenging tasks, and fostered a growth-oriented environment.

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What recent technologies or tools have you integrated into your software development process?

Mention recent trends or tools you've implemented in software development. Discuss how these technologies facilitated improvements in your workflow efficiency or software performance.

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Gravitics is an aerospace company that designs and manufactures large space structures for human life in space.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 22, 2025

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