Flight Software Lead

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

As the lead of the flight Software team, you will design, develop, and own the software driving the autonomous operation of Apex’s satellite buses. You will be responsible for mentoring, tasking, and overall direction of the flight software team. This role involves roughly fifty percent management and fifty percent individual contributor work. We are looking for motivated engineers eager to solve complex problems with a focus on practicality and scalability, thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the flight software team in designing, implementing, and owning mission-critical software applications for satellite systems.
• Support spacecraft commissioning during launch and early operations, ensuring software systems remain functional during critical phases.
• Own spacecraft software solutions through the full lifecycle from design to deployment.
• Perform unit testing, integration testing, and system-level testing, resolving defects or issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to baseline product requirements and technical roadmaps.

Requirements:

• U.S. Person status is required due to access to export-controlled data.
• 5+ years of flight software experience.
• 1+ years of leadership or senior technical experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in CS, EE, or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, Rust.
• Experience with real-time systems on distributed hardware.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of embedded Linux, system administration, and creating Linux distributions (Yocto).
• Familiarity with network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP), secure communication, Protobuf, and encryption.
• Experience with flight software frameworks such as F’ and cFS.

Salary Range: $185,000 - $215,000 per year. Benefits include equity, healthcare, PTO, 401(k), parental leave, daily lunch and snacks, community events, and a modern office in Playa Vista. Apex is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion.