Flight Software Manager

Katalyst Description:

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. 

Role Description:

As Flight Software Manager, you will lead the strategy, development, and delivery of flight-critical embedded software across multiple spacecraft and mission programs. This is a functional leadership role, balancing technical execution with team leadership. You’ll define architectural direction, enforce software best practices, and mentor engineers to deliver robust and scalable systems that directly enable all of our missions. 

You’ll work cross-functionally with Avionics, GNC, and Systems teams to define interfaces, test strategies, and integration roadmaps. This position demands technical rigor, deep systems understanding, and the ability to set a high bar for software reliability across every stage of the mission lifecycle. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of engineers in the development of embedded flight software through requirements definition, implementation, ground test, spacecraft integration, and on-orbit operations. 

• Implement detailed software development schedules and lead tasking across the team. 

• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and foster a collaborative culture throughout the engineering organization. 

• Define and maintain the flight software architecture and roadmap across multiple vehicle programs. 

• Ensure integration of flight software with avionics hardware, GNC algorithms, and mission control systems. 

• Drive technical design reviews, code reviews, and adherence to software development standards. 

• Promote reliability, modularity, and reusability across codebases and development frameworks. 

Qualifications:

Required: 

• B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. 

• 10+ years of professional software development experience, including embedded or real-time systems. 

• High proficiency in C/C++ for embedded platforms; strong familiarity with Python for scripting, testing, and automation. 

• Strong leadership and team management skills. 

• Experience with RTOS or embedded Linux environments. 

• Working knowledge of Git-based version control, CI/CD pipelines, and agile software development practices. 

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. 

• U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident (ITAR-compliant). 

Preferred: 

• Experience developing flight software for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or autonomous vehicles. 

• Experience with GNC, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, and fault-tolerant system design. 

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional integration between software, avionics, and systems engineering. 

• Experience designing and developing algorithms for visual inspection, object detection, pose estimation, and relative navigation 

• Experience with visual inspection or robotics-related CV pipelines 

Additional Requirements: 

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. 

Compensation and Benefits:    
 
Anticipated salary range for this role is $160,000 – $220,000. 

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off. 

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.