Senior Flight Simulator Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, California
Engineering – Software, Controls, and Electrical /
Full-time /
On-site
LTA Research and Exploration, an aerospace start-up, is seeking a motivated Senior Flight Simulator Software Engineer to help build a revolutionary ‘lighter than air’ flight vehicle. You will work within a dynamic engineering and design team to plan, conceptualize, rapidly prototype, test and implement innovative solutions for the design, fabrication, and assembly of large experimental flight vehicles. We believe in fast-cycle development and approach to flight systems development with the motto "build a little, test a little, learn a lot". This unique position allows for hands-on leadership through all phases of development, from concept to flight of an experimental aerospace vehicle. We are seeking a high energy, passionate Flight Simulator Software Engineer to help further the development of a software for Flight Simulator infrastructure as well as actively test and validate rapidly developed software.

Responsibilities:

    • Develop and establish requirements for Flight Simulator software.
    • Lead design and update of existing Flight Simulator software infrastructure in conjunction with Fight Software to test out repeatability and reliability of Flight Software and GNC.
    • Lead Development of Flight Simulator software design to meet quality, reliability, and timing requirements of product and program.
    • Develop comprehensive test sets for validation and verification of released Flight Simulator software and reports.
    • Communicate with the software engineering team to obtain and document Flight Simulator software requirements for software under test.
    • Collaborate with cross functional teams such as Pilots, Systems Engineering, Flight Software engineering, GNC engineering, Electrical Engineering, etc. domains.
    • Support Flight Simulator Operation training activities.

Skills/Qualifications:

    • BS in computer science, computer engineering or related field
    • 10+ years of experience in a similar role
    • Proficient in C, C++ and Python
    • Knowledgeable in common software validation practices and standards
    • Experience with real time operating systems
    • Good understanding of time series data management and tools (pandas)
    • Detail oriented and well organized with excellent communication skills
    • Self-Starter as well as a Team player, with a can-do attitude and a desire to learn.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

    • Experience with aviation standards such as DO-178C
    • Familiar with NASA’s open-source Core Flight System (CFS)
    • Experience in developing simulation for hardware components such as sensors & actuators
    • Basic front-end and back-end software architecture development
    • Comfortable with CMake build tools 
    • Experience with VxWorks 7

What We Offer:

    • Relocation assistance
    • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
    • Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
    • Parental leave
    • Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
    • 401(k) matching up to 6%
    • Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
    • Monthly wellness stipend
    • Monthly cell phone stipend
    • Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
    • Mental health benefit
    • Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
    • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements:

    • Criminal background check clearance
    • Drug test clearance wherever applicable
$150,000 - $200,000 a year
The base salary range for this role is $150,000-200,000, which is determined based on experience, geography, and qualifications. The base salary is one component of the total compensation package, which includes a very competitive annual bonus, 401K Match, and other generous benefits. While we believe competitive compensation is a critical aspect of your decision to join us, we do hope you also spend time considering why our mission and culture are right for you.


LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.