Launch Vehicle Software Engineer
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
How this pay compares
This posting does not state its pay. Open software engineer jobs in Alabama post a median of $169k a year, the middle half $132k–$198k, across 36 jobs that state their pay.
About the job
About Us
X-Bow Systems is a cutting-edge aerospace technology company focused on revolutionizing propulsion systems for space exploration and defense applications. Our team of innovative engineers and scientists is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in rocket propulsion. As we continue to expand our operations, we are seeking a talented and driven Launch Vehicle Software Engineer to join our team.
Job Description
X-Bow Systems is looking to fill a Launch Vehicle Software Engineer position to join the flight software team for X-Bow's family of solid propellant launch vehicles from initial concept and requirements definition, through implementation, testing, and flight operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Flight software requirements definition and modular architecture development
- Selection and configuration of computing hardware, operating system, external libraries, and other hardware/software trade studies
- Implementation of software/middleware interfaces to communicate with devices such as sensors, actuators, radios, FPGAs/microprocessors, and power bus controllers.
- Flight software development and implementation
- Software Validation and Verification Methodologies standardization
- Participate in design and standup of hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) lab
- Support launch vehicle integration, test, and flight operations
- Electrical Ground Support Equipment software development and implementation
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of directly related industry experience
- Background in embedded software engineering for aerospace applications
- C/C++ preferred
- Ability to identify and tailor appropriate computing hardware for the application
- Familiarity with real-time operating systems (FREERTOS, Zephyr, VxWorks, Green Hills Integrity)
- Experience creating software interfaces and device drivers for serial communications (RS-232/422/485), Ethernet (TCP/UDP), and other communication interfaces
- Software Unit Test Suites
- Version control (git, svn, or similar. Git preferred)
- Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems during operational events
- Ability to work in small collaborative teams, turning high level goals into detailed designs and operational products
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Ability to complete assignments with little or no supervision
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment
Additional Attributes that will be Considered for Position Selection
- Experience with Atlassian software - Confluence and Jira
- Demonstrated past ownership of embedded aerospace software through entire life cycle
- Avionics systems engineering experience
- Experience developing simulation environments for flight software test campaigns
- Experience with Launch Vehicle Avionics (Flight Computers, Navigation Hardware, Power, etc.)
Additional Information
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
From X-Bow Systems's job posting, checked 10 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About X-Bow Systems
Designs and builds solid rocket motors and their energetics for launch vehicles and national defense.
Pay on its listings: stated per posting
How it pays: Paid as an employee on X-Bow Systems's own payroll, as each posting states.
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