Senior Flight Software Engineer, Interplanetary Sciences Program

Long Beach, CA · Senior

$154,000 – $230,000

Listed on Relativity Space’s own careers site. You apply with them directly — we never stand between you and the employer.

What this role is

You'll lead the design and implementation of flight-critical software for deep-space spacecraft, owning the full lifecycle from requirements through mission operations. This role suits experienced embedded systems engineers who thrive on autonomous problem-solving and want to build the autonomous systems enabling planetary science missions.

Our summary, not Relativity Space’s wording. The full posting is on their site.

Skills this role names

What they ask for

Required

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
5+ years developing and delivering embedded or real-time flight software
Strong C++ proficiency with solid understanding of memory management, concurrency, and embedded systems design
Experience with RTOS or Linux-based embedded development, software integration, and system-level testing
Demonstrated ability to scope open-ended problems and execute autonomously
Ability to work effectively in collaborative, fast-paced team environments

Nice to have

Experience developing software for spaceflight, launch vehicles, or planetary spacecraft
Familiarity with deep-space communication protocols and autonomy frameworks
Experience with Python or Rust for tooling, testing, or simulation
Background in hardware-in-the-loop testing, embedded networking, or fault-tolerant system design
Knowledge of NASA or aerospace software development and verification standards in modern new-space context