Senior Flight Software Engineer

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer with deep experience in embedded flight software and FPGA/SoC development to join our Flight Software Team in our U.S. office. This engineer will be responsible for developing core flight software for both our current on‑orbit satellite fleet and future satellite constellations. The role also includes a leadership component, serving as a forward‑facing representative for architectural decisions, cross‑team collaboration, and schedule ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test new embedded flight software from concept through subsystem integration and full system deployment.

• Maintain and modify HDL code to meet mission and spacecraft functionality requirements.

• Integrate mission‑specific microcontroller software into systems capable of full spacecraft control.

• Serve as a technical leader within the Flight Software Team, guiding requirements through completion.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams to architect new spacecraft features and capabilities.

• Ensure software is robust, reliable, and aligned with mission objectives and timelines.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

Experience

• Minimum of 6+ years of professional experience in embedded programming and flight or mission‑critical systems.

• Hands‑on experience supporting development, integration, and deployment of embedded systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with STM32 processors.

• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python, Ruby, or Bash.

• Experience using CMake, Ninja, or other modern cross‑compilation build systems.

• Background supporting integration and test activities for aerospace or real‑time embedded systems.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to extract, clarify, and document detailed technical requirements.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional engineering teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to track deadlines, deliverables, and team commitments.

• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy across documentation, code, testing, and project deliverables.

Technology Stack

• Proficiency in C and C++, including modern C++ (C++11 and beyond).

• Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), including FreeRTOS.

• Expertise with FPGAs/SoCs and hardware description languages (Verilog, VHDL, or similar).

• Experience with logic simulation and HDL design verification.

• Strong understanding of multi‑threaded environments, concurrency, and inter‑process communication.

• Familiarity with serial communication protocols (RS‑232, RS‑485, CAN, SPI).

• Experience with debugging interfaces such as SWD and JTAG.

• Proficiency with laboratory tools including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.

• Ability to read and interpret circuit diagrams and hardware schematics.

• Comfortable in Linux environments and command‑line workflows.

• Familiarity with modern development practices: Git, unit testing, continuous integration, Jira, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment.

• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and standard office tools for extended periods.

• Occasional hands‑on hardware work in a lab environment may be required.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment 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.