Senior Flight Software Engineer

Company: The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Labor
Location: Laurel
Posted on: May 18, 2025

Job Description:

Description

Are you a software engineer passionate about computer science, computer engineering, and the robotic exploration of our solar system?Does solving embedded software challenges sound motivating?If so, we 're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!We are seeking a dedicated embedded software developer eager to solve hard problems in space using best-practice software development practices. The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL) Space Exploration Sector develops spacecraft for both National Security applications and NASA funded exploration missions. Our group is a collaborative team of software developers, applied mathematicians/physicists and embedded system engineers that develop flight software and simulations for JHUAPL-developed spacecraft. Our embedded software developers work closely with hardware engineers to provide a rock-solid, continuously tested software stack capable of commanding and relaying data from billions of kilometers away. We value pushing the boundaries of the possible, staying up to date with software practices, and constantly infusing our knowledge into our spacecraft and the systems that support them.As a flight software developer, your responsibilities include...

• Using solid embedded practices to build the software that runs a spacecraft.
• Building and maintaining a robust testing pipeline at the unit, application and system testing levels.
• Communicating with other spacecraft teams including avionics, telecommunications, networking, navigation, systems, and integration and test to understand flight software interfaces and requirements.
• Design, implement and test software to solve problems in a variety of embedded environments, with an emphasis on modular, reusable software.
• Working with technical specialists at JHUAPL to research, advance, and advocate for emerging software practices, architectures and languages.
  Qualifications
  
  You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have....
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
  • At least 5 years of experience in software development (years pursuing graduate degrees may also be combined towardthis qualification).
  • Proficiency in C and C++.
  • Experience with scripting languages (Python, Ruby or PERL).
  • Experience with decentralized version control and configuration management systems, such as Git.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and independent follow-through.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...
    • A MS or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
    • At least 7 years of professional work experience.
    • Familiarity with flight software libraries, applications, and frameworks including NASA 's cFE (Core Flight Executive).
    • Experience with real time operating systems including RTEMS, RT Linux and VxWorks.
    • Experience with DevOps pipelines like Jenkins, GitLab and Bamboo
    • Experience with additional languages such as Rust, Scala, Lua, and Haskell.
    • Experience using or configuring containerization frameworks such Docker/Podman and Kubernetes.
    • Experience with networking and communication protocol development such as TCP/IP, mesh, CCSDS protocols, DTN.
    • Experience leading software development teams.
    • Are able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance. Be Part of Something InnovativeOver the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to "touch" the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation's national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun's influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors. To learn about these APL's mission and projects, and .#LI-KW1
      About Us
      
      Why Work at APL?The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact.The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
      Minimum Rate
      
      $90,000 Annually
      
      Maximum Rate
      
      $230,000 AnnuallyRequired
      Preferred

      Job Industries

      • Other

Keywords: The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Labor, Frederick , Senior Flight Software Engineer, IT / Software / Systems , Laurel, Maryland