Flight Software Engineer

Department: Software

Location: Palo Alto

Compensation: $150K – $180K • Offers Equity

Employment Type: FullTime

About Apolink:

Apolink is building the world’s most interoperable satellite relay network in low Earth orbit. Our hybrid communication architecture combines RF and optical inter-satellite links to enable real-time, continuous connectivity for satellite operators across industries.

About The Role:

You will own development of the embedded and flight software stack that powers Apolink’s relay spacecraft platforms. From low-level device drivers to autonomous fault recovery, you’ll design and implement the digital nervous system that makes our satellites reliable and interoperable. You’ll work directly with avionics hardware, vendor SDKs, and payload systems to bring our first mission to orbit in 2026 and lay the foundation for a scalable constellation.

Responsibilities:

• Architect and implement real-time flight software for satellite command and control

• Develop embedded software for avionics, SDRs, and optical/RF payload subsystems

• Build hardware abstraction layers, device drivers, and telemetry/telecommand interfaces

• Read and integrate vendor SDKs into the flight stack for bus and payload components

• Implement autonomy features, including fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR)

• Build and maintain software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) frameworks

• Design spacecraft-to-ground communication protocols with authentication and security

• Support hardware integration, functional testing, and on-orbit commissioning

• Collaborate with RF, GNC, and systems engineers for seamless spacecraft ops

Qualifications:

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

• 5+ years of experience in embedded/flight software development (space, aerospace, or robotics)

• Proficiency in C/C++ for real-time and resource-constrained systems

• Experience with RTOS (FreeRTOS, VxWorks, RTEMS, or similar)

• Strong debugging skills with CI/CD, automated testing, and hardware bring-up

• Hands-on experience with embedded communication protocols (CAN, UART, I²C, SPI, RS-422, etc.)

• Familiarity with spacecraft operations, comm protocols, and avionics integration

• Comfortable working with vendor SDKs and adapting them to flight software needs

• Passion for building reliable systems that operate in extreme environments

• Ability to work in-person or willingness to relocate to Palo Alto, CA

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation at Apolink is determined based on role, level, location, and alignment with market benchmarks. Individual base salary is assessed on a case-by-case basis, reflecting job-related experience, technical expertise, and overall fit. In addition to salary, Apolink offers long-term incentives such as stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity participation, comprehensive health care, 401(k) with company matching, flexible vacation, catered meal credits, and ongoing opportunities for professional development.

Additional Information

To conform to the U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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.

Apolink Communications is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.