Flight Software Manager

York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next- generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York's complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York's existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively. We're looking to expand our team across the board.

York Space Systems is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Flight Software Manag er . The flight software manager is responsible for leading the team focused on the design, analysis, testing, and delivery of the mission-critical space vehicle flight software. This role focuses on leading a team to deliver real-time and embedded Linux-based flight software , enabling reliable command, telemetry, networking, and autonomy across on-orbit vehicles. This role will lead the flight software development team while also making individual contributions.

The ideal candidate is an experienced engineering leader with strong systems thinking who can operate across the full spacecraft lifecycle-from concept development and software architecture through integration, launch, and on-orbit operations.

Not all skills below are required , we encourage you to apply if you have an interest in learning!

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of flight software engineers
• Establish team priorities, objectives , and technical roadmaps aligned with company and program goals
• Drive execution of software development activities across multiple programs and spacecraft platforms
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence
• Support hiring, performance management, career development, and employee growth
• Coordinate resources and priorities across engineering, mission operations, systems engineering, and program management teams.
• Provide technical direction for spacecraft flight software architecture and design
• Lead software development efforts for embedded Linux and real-time spacecraft systems
• Oversee software requirements, interface definitions, architecture reviews, and design decisions
• Guide integration of software with spacecraft hardware, payloads, radios, and mission systems
• Support software verification, validation, and qualification activities
• Drive improvements to software quality, reliability, cybersecurity, automation, and maintainability
• Participate in root-cause investigations, anomaly resolution, and on-orbit support activities
• Ensure successful delivery of flight software releases across development, test, and flight environments
• Drive continuous improvement of CI/CD pipelines, testing frameworks, release processes, and software metrics
• Support technical reviews including PDRs, CDRs, TRRs, PSRs, and mission readiness activities
• Collaborate with platform, applications, hardware, systems engineering, integration & test, and mission operations teams to deliver mission success

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering , Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 6 + years of experience in embedded software development
• 2+ years of technical leadership, project leadership, or people management experience
• Strong proficiency in C/C++
• Experience with embedded Linux systems (drivers, networking, system-level debugging)
• Experience with deterministic build systems such as Yocto or VxWorks
• Familiarity with networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, routing concepts)
• Experience leading software projects through the full development lifecycle
• Experience debugging hardware/software integration issues
• Strong communication , collaboration, and leadership skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Mu st be clearance eligible and ability to maintain an active Secret Clearance or higher
• Love space!

Preferred Requirements

• Master's Degree in computer science or engineering related field
• 10+ years of experience developing software for aerospace, defense, or safety-critical systems
• Experience managing engineering teams and technical roadmaps
• Experience with spacecraft flight software and on-orbit operations
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Experience with Yocto , Buildroot , VxWorks, or similar embedded build environments
• Familiarity with CCSDS, DTN, and spacecraft communication protocols
• Experience supporting hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), flatsat , and system-level integration environments
• Knowledge of software assurance, cybersecurity, secure boot, software signing, and key management
• Experience supporting launch campaigns and on-orbit anomaly investigations
• Active Secret Clearance or higher

Benefits
In addition to compensation, York Space Systems is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance along with PTO and a 401K.

How To Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking the "Apply" link at the top of the page. York Space Systems will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is closed. York Space Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Must have permanent authorization to work in the United States. This policy applies to all terms and conditions or employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. YORK SPACE SYSTEMS IS AN EEO EMPLOYER.