Staff Flight Software Engineer, Interplanetary Sciences ProgramLong Beach, CaliforniaAt Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.About the RoleAs a Staff Flight Software Engineer within the Interplanetary Sciences Program at Relativity Space, you will take ownership of the design, development, and deployment of flight-critical software that governs how our spacecraft behaves and operates from concept through flight.You will be responsible for building robust, reliable embedded software that enables autonomous deep-space missions and real-time spacecraft control. This role requires an engineer who thrives on full-system ownership, moves fluidly between architecture and implementation, and brings rigorous engineering discipline to every phase of development from requirements capture to operational flight support.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Design, implement, and test flight software for spacecraft command, control, and autonomy across all mission phasesOwn full lifecycle software development: requirements capture, architecture, design, implementation, integration, test, and flight operations supportCollaborate with avionics, GNC, propulsion, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless integration between software and spacecraft hardwareDevelop and execute verification and validation (V&V) processes to ensure flight safety, reliability, and mission successSupport on-vehicle and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, debugging, and mission simulationsAbout YouBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field7+ years of experience developing, testing, and delivering embedded or real-time flight softwareStrong proficiency in C++ and solid understanding of memory management, concurrency, and embedded systems designExperience with RTOS or Linux-based embedded development, software integration, and system-level testingProven ability to scope open-ended problems, execute autonomously, and deliver high-quality, flight-ready softwareAbility to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skillsNice to haves but not required:Experience developing software for spaceflight, launch vehicles, or planetary spacecraftFamiliarity with deep-space communication protocols and autonomy frameworksExperience with Python or Rust for tooling, testing, or simulation supportBackground in hardware-in-the-loop testing, embedded networking, or fault-tolerant system designKnowledge of NASA or other aerospace software development and verification standards, applied in a modern new-space contextAt Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more!Hiring Range: $181,000 - $271,000 USDWe are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at