For all candidates, we require a US Citizen (who either has or is eligible to acquire a Top Secret Clearance) with Satellite experience from JPL/NASA, Millenium, True Anomaly, K2, Anduril, etc., over 5 years of relevant experience (not including internships). For FSW, they are looking for a candidate who has led the development of flight software used on satellites AND developed drivers to interface with different components. We also require candidates to work FT onsite.

Flight Software Engineers

• Salary range: $160K-$190K
• Minimum experience: 5 years (please do not submit candidates below this threshold)
• Note on top of range: $190K is reserved only for EXCEPTIONAL candidates with 7+ years of experience

Electrical Engineers – $145,000 – $170,000

Attached are the JDs.

Phone Screen Questions

Please use the following questions during initial candidate screens for each role:

Spacecraft Flight Software Engineer

• Why are you looking to leave your current role / what are you looking for in your next role?
• What is your desired compensation range?
• Do you possess or be willing and eligible to obtain a United States Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance?
• How many missions have you developed flight software for?
• What frameworks and programming languages are you familiar with (FPrime, CFS, MAX, etc.)?
• What level of FSW architecture are you most comfortable with – firmware, drivers, architecture development, or behavior development?
• Do you have any experience with GDS or operations?

About the job

Company Description Proteus Space accelerates the spacecraft definition and Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) life cycle from years to months, enabling customers to field responsive space assets on radically shorter timelines. The company delivers full design packages with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) validation, providing greater confidence in performance before deployment. Its approach combines transformational speed and scale with robust technical rigor, appealing to teams focused on rapid prototyping and innovation in space systems. Design specifications are supported by Government Purpose Data Rights and customer-owned deliverables, giving partners long-term control and flexibility over their solutions.

Role Description The Flight Software Engineer is a full-time, hybrid role based in Los Angeles, CA, with flexibility for some work-from-home days. This role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining flight software for spacecraft, including core control algorithms, communication interfaces, and fault management logic. Day-to-day activities include writing and reviewing production-quality code, integrating software with hardware-in-the-loop test environments, and debugging issues across embedded platforms and ground tools. The engineer collaborates closely with systems, hardware, and AI&T teams to define requirements, ensure reliability, and support rapid iteration on flight software architectures. Responsibilities also include contributing to internal documentation, participating in design reviews, and improving development workflows and tooling.

Qualifications

• Strong Computer Science fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and operating systems.
• Proficiency in Software Development and Programming for embedded or real-time systems.
• Experience with Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and modern software design patterns.
• Familiarity with Back-End Development concepts, APIs, and distributed systems helpful for ground software interfaces.
• Experience with at least one systems programming language (e.g., C, C++, Rust) and a scripting language (e.g., Python).
• Comfort with Linux-based development environments, build systems, and version control (e.g., Git).
• Background in aerospace, robotics, or other safety-critical or real-time applications is a plus.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams, communicate clearly, and own projects from design through deployment.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Sibusisiwe Mlaba