Flight Software Engineer

Long Wall Company was created in 2024 to accelerate missile defense technology for the U.S. and our allies. We specialize in ballistic missile defense and are developing Cyclops, a low-cost, mass-producible interceptor. We also produce containerized launchers and offer low-cost targets for threat replication. The future of global security depends on defensive technology that redefines cost, magazine depth, and distribution to deter and defend against evolving threats. Join us.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR Mission-Driven Problem Solvers– The problems in missile defense demand ingenuity. We want engineers, technicians, and corporate professionals who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay focused on delivering the best solution for the mission. Total Ownership– We seek those who take full responsibility for delivering flight-ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone. The best engineers, technicians, and corporate professionals make their teammates better, knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design and develop highly reliable autonomous flight software for Long Wall's launch vehicles and missile defense systems

Own flight software development from conception to flight-ready systems through design, development, testing, and integration, with scope of ownership scaling with level

Collaborate with the flight software team on investigations, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and designing solutions from the engineering phase through system-level testing and production

Collaborate with the avionics hardware team on electrical and data interface design, and software/hardware integration

Contribute to the development of feature, regression, software-in-the-loop (SIL), and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, including test design and approaches

Partner with GNC, avionics, and hardware engineers to integrate flight software with vehicle systems and support ground and flight test campaigns

Support test and launch operations, including anomaly investigation, resolution, and corrective action

Define, implement, and test Interface Control Documents (ICD) between vehicle and ground systems

At senior and staff levels: define and defend flight software architecture, set technical direction for the team, and mentor other engineers

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

2+ years of experience in the development of real-time or embedded software; level will be determined by the depth and breadth of relevant experience (senior and principal levels typically require 5+ and 8+ years, respectively)

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Proficiency with C++ and Python in a Linux development environment

Experience developing software for physical systems that employ sensors, real-time planning and control, commanding of actuators or motors, wired communications, or RF transceivers

Experience with software testing practices for high-reliability systems, including unit, integration, and regression testing

Strong software design fundamentals; for senior and staff levels, demonstrated ability to make and defend architectural decisions across a team

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines

Familiarity with source control systems like Git and team-based software development practices

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience designing fault-tolerant or fail-safe software architectures

Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux platforms

Experience defining and/or using board support packages (BSP) and application software running on a complex, distributed and/or asymmetric/heterogenous multi-processing environment

Experience building or working with software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) test environments

Experience developing flight software for launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, or other aerospace systems

Experience leading or mentoring a team of software engineers

Familiarity with safety-critical software standards and practices (e.g., DO-178C, NASA software classifications, or similar)

Familiarity with common digital communication protocols like Ethernet, TCP/IP, RS-422, PCIe and more

Experience integrating complex mechatronic control systems comprising of multiple actuators, including test equipment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time

Ability to use a computer to complete assignments

Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone, and via telepresence

Ability to pick up to 50lbs

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment

Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

ITAR Requirement This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.

National Security Suitability Depending on the position, Long Wall may require the successful completion of a national security suitability screening in addition to its standard background check. Where required, the screening is conducted by Long Wall’s Facility Security Officer following offer acceptance and may include verification of any current or prior U.S. government security clearances or public trust positions. Information provided during the screening is used solely to determine suitability for the role and is held in confidence by Security. For positions subject to this requirement, any offer of employment is contingent upon a favorable suitability determination.