Flight Software Engineer – Embedded Linux & Networking

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Flight Software Engineer – Embedded Linux Networking to design, develop, and support embedded software systems for advanced aerospace platforms. This role focuses on building and optimizing Linux-based networking capabilities within mission-critical environments, contributing to system architecture, integration, and performance of complex embedded systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, develop, and maintain embedded Linux software, including board support packages (BSPs), device drivers, and system-level integration

Lead development of networking subsystems, including protocol stacks, network drivers, and communication interfaces

Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define system interfaces and ensure seamless hardware/software integration

Contribute to and uphold embedded software architecture standards, best practices, and coding guidelines

Participate in full software development lifecycle, including design, coding, testing, integration, and deployment

Support simulation and testing environments to validate networking behavior and system performance

Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues across hardware and software boundaries

Conduct code reviews and provide mentorship to junior engineers to ensure quality and consistency

Develop and maintain technical documentation, including architecture decisions and system specifications

Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

A minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in software engineering with a strong focus on embedded Linux systems

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with real-time or performance-constrained embedded systems

Familiarity with advanced networking concepts and custom communication protocols

Exposure to secure software development practices or embedded system security

Experience working on high-reliability or mission-critical systems

Background in wireless communication or distributed network architectures

Experience with GPU computing or parallel processing technologies

Soft Skills:

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams

Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities

Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in design and implementation

Ability to lead technical discussions and influence architecture decisions

Adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment

Technology Stack:

Programming languages: C, C++, Python

Embedded Linux systems and kernel development

Networking technologies: TCP/IP, UDP, socket programming, routing

Embedded build systems such as Yocto or Buildroot

Development and debugging tools (e.g., GDB, JTAG/SWD interfaces)

Version control and collaboration tools (e.g., Git)

Continuous integration and issue tracking tools (e.g., CI platforms, Jira or similar)

Hardware debugging and diagnostic tools (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic or network analyzers)

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in a standard office, lab, or hybrid engineering environment

Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer

Ability to use specialized technical equipment for testing and debugging when required

Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands .

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of 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.