Principal Flight Software Engineer

Posted 8 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Sunnyvale, CA
170K-220K Annually
7+ Years Experience
Aerospace
The Role
The Principal Flight Software Engineer will develop flight software for integrated flight computers, design pilot cockpit displays, simulate hardware components, troubleshoot flight hardware, and create technical documentation, playing a pivotal role in the development of experimental aerial vehicles.
Summary Generated by Built In

We're seeking a motivated Principle Flight Software Engineer to help build a revolutionary ‘lighter than air’ flight vehicle in Sunnyvale, CA. You will work within a dynamic engineering and design team to help plan, conceptualize, rapidly prototype, test and implement innovative solutions for the design, fabrication, and assembly of large experimental flight vehicles. We believe in fast-cycle development and approach to flight systems development with the motto "build a little, test a little, learn a lot.” This unique position allows for hands-on contributions through all phases of development, from concept to flight of an experimental aerospace vehicle.


We are seeking a mission-driven, passionate software engineer to help develop the infrastructure, testing tools, and flight software.

Responsibilities:

  • Supporting the development of flight software for the integrated flight computer
  • Designing, coding, and integrating graphical pilot cockpit displays
  • Developing and extending simulation of hardware components for SIL/HIL
  • Performing and troubleshooting flight hardware bring-up
  • Creating ICDs and other technical documentation

Skills/Qualifications:

  • 10-15+ years of experience in a similar role
  • Proficient in C, C++ and Python
  • Proficient with Git version control
  • Comfortable with both Windows and Linux development environments
  • Experience with embedded development, real-time operating systems
  • Self-starter with a history of project ownership
  • B.S. in computer science, computer engineering, or related field

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

  • Experience with C# development on Windows
  • Familiar with NASA’s open-source core Flight System (cFS)
  • Experienced with ARM-based microcontrollers (STM32 or Teensy)
  • Experience with Continuous Integration practices and tools
  • Comfortable with CMake build tools
  • Experience with VxWorks 7
  • Exposure to Rockwell PLC tools and ladder logic programming

What We Offer:

  • Relocation assistance
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
  • Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
  • Parental leave
  • Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
  • 401(k) matching up to 6%
  • Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
  • Monthly wellness stipend
  • Monthly cell phone stipend
  • Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
  • Mental health benefit
  • Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
  • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements:

  • Criminal background check clearance
  • Drug test clearance wherever applicable

The base salary range for this role is $170,000-220,000, which is determined based on experience, geography, and qualifications. The base salary is one component of the total compensation package, which includes a very competitive annual bonus, 401K Match, and other generous benefits. While we believe competitive compensation is a critical aspect of your decision to join us, we do hope you also spend time considering why our mission and culture are right for you.



LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.


Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.

Top Skills

C
C++
Python
The Company
HQ: Mountain View, CA
190 Employees
On-site Workplace

What We Do

Lighter Than Air (LTA) Research is an aerospace research and development company building experimental and certified manned and remotely piloted airships.

We are developing advanced technologies to dramatically increase the capabilities and lower the cost of 21st century airships. With these next-generation airships, we strive to improve humanitarian aid delivery and reduce carbon emissions, while providing economic opportunity and new jobs to Americans.

LTA airships will have the ability to complement — and even speed up — humanitarian disaster response and relief efforts, especially in remote areas that cannot be easily accessed by plane and boat due to limited or destroyed infrastructure. We ultimately aim to create a family of aircraft with zero emissions that, when used for shipping goods and moving people, would substantially reduce the global carbon footprint of aviation.

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