Principal Flight Software Engineer
EVONAAbout the role
Principal Flight Software Engineer
Hybrid
We're working with a fast-growing space company developing a first-of-its-kind satellite communications network with the potential to fundamentally change global connectivity.
They're looking for a Principal Flight Software Engineer to join a small, highly technical team building and operating complex flight systems.
This is a hands-on Principal role for someone who can own difficult embedded problems, lead technically and step up when needed.
What you'll be doing
Develop flight software across embedded Linux and RTOS platforms
Build low-level software in C/C++, including drivers, BSPs and hardware interfaces
Lead projects from architecture and design through integration and delivery
Debug complex hardware/software issues in the lab
Work across networking and communication interfaces
Collaborate closely with RF, hardware, systems and mission operations teams
Improve development processes, CI, build and release infrastructure
Mentor engineers and help drive technical standards across the team
Help shape how AI is responsibly used within embedded software development
What we're looking for
10+ years of embedded software engineering experience
Strong Embedded Linux experience
Experience with an RTOS such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, Green Hills, VxWorks or similar
Strong C/C++ development skills
Experience working close to hardware
BSP, device driver and/or device tree experience
Strong integration and debugging skills
Ability to take ownership and lead technically without needing direct reports
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on engineering environment
Nice to have
RF or RFSoC experience
Embedded networking / TCP/IP
Yocto or Buildroot
PREEMPT_RT
Embedded security or fault-tolerant software
This is a great opportunity for an engineer who wants real ownership, difficult technical problems and the chance to build flight software for a genuinely groundbreaking space-based communications system.
Responsibilities
- Develop flight software across embedded Linux and RTOS platforms
- Build low-level software in C/C++, including drivers, BSPs and hardware interfaces
- Lead projects from architecture and design through integration and delivery
- Debug complex hardware/software issues in the lab
- Work across networking and communication interfaces
- Collaborate closely with RF, hardware, systems and mission operations teams
- Improve development processes, CI, build and release infrastructure
- Mentor engineers and help drive technical standards across the team
Qualifications
- 10+ years of embedded software engineering experience
- Strong Embedded Linux experience
- Experience with an RTOS such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, Green Hills, VxWorks or similar
- Strong C/C++ development skills
- Experience working close to hardware
- BSP, device driver and/or device tree experience
- Strong integration and debugging skills
- Ability to take ownership and lead technically without needing direct reports
Skills mentioned
About EVONA
EVONA is where Space finds its people. We are the original space talent partner - a company that helped define the modern space economy. EVO: Evolve ONA: People We’re a talent partner with one focus - Space. That focus gives us the depth to advise, assess, and deliver across fast-scaling environments. Our approach is outcome-led, consistent, and built to evolve as the market does. Over the past eight years, we’ve supported 300+ companies across the space industry, including AST SpaceMobile (under contract 7 years), ICEYE (under contract 6 years), and Voyager (under contract 7 years) as they scale. Alongside delivery, we care about evolving people and building what’s next. Through our STEM initiative, we visit schools and universities to raise awareness of the many careers within the space sector. We aim to make pathways into the industry feel real, visible, and accessible for the next generation. US: +1 202-381-9944 UK: +44117 2034444