York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next- generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York’s complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York’s existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively. We’re looking to expand our team across the board.

York Space Systems is seeking a Junior / Early Career Flight Software Platform Engineer to support the Flight Software Engineering team.

This role is intended for an engineer early in their career who is interested in embedded Linux, spacecraft systems, mission-critical software, and hands-on platform development. The Platform Team owns the operating system foundation used to deliver embedded flight software for space applications.

The ideal candidate is curious, technically motivated, and excited to learn Linux platform development, embedded software practices, hardware/software integration, and flight software delivery in a fast-moving aerospace environment.

This is a hands-on engineering role with mentorship from senior engineers and technical leads. Over time, this engineer will grow ownership in embedded Linux platform components, integration workflows, test automation, and software release support.

Key Responsibilities Participate in an agile scrum team focused on supporting the embedded Linux platform used to deliver flight software for space applications.

Support development and maintenance of the embedded Linux platform, including:

Linux kernel configuration and debugging
Bootloader and BSP support
Root filesystem updates
Core system services and systemd configuration
Device driver integration and troubleshooting
Platform scripts, tools, and configuration files
Embedded Linux interfaces and processes

Collaborate with team members, management, systems engineers, hardware teams, application teams, and mission operations to support project execution.

Assist with understanding and expanding requirements based on high-level specifications, system needs, and mission use cases.

Contribute to platform stability, security, and maintainability by:

Investigating bugs and integration issues
Supporting software updates and release activities
Helping maintain reproducible builds
Documenting changes, assumptions, and troubleshooting steps
Identifying risks and raising issues early
Communicating challenges, failures, and successes clearly

Participate in technical design reviews and code reviews to improve quality and maintainability of deliverables.

Support implementation of software architectures and designs that meet requirements.

Develop code following project coding guidelines, process requirements, and review expectations.

Assist with unit, integration, software-in-the-loop, and hardware-in-the-loop testing, including:

Developing and executing unit tests
Verifying requirements and interface behavior
Supporting code coverage activities
Helping analyze test results
Supporting SITL and HITL integration and testing
Capturing test results and release artifacts

Work with other subsystems to support proper integration of platform software into the broader flight software design.

Participate in implementation approach discussions by helping evaluate cost, complexity, schedule, and technical risk.

Support continuous improvement of team practices, including:

Improving documentation and knowledge sharing
Automating repetitive development or test tasks
Contributing to CI/CD improvements
Participating in retrospectives and post-release reviews
Helping improve release confidence and integration quality

Grow technical ownership over time in areas such as:

Yocto-based build systems
Linux kernel customization
Device trees and low-level hardware interfaces
Embedded networking concepts
Platform test automation
Flight software deployment and update flows
Software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop environments

Qualifications

Required for the Role

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

0–3 years of experience in software development, embedded systems, Linux, or related areas
Basic programming experience in one or more of:
C
C++
Python
Bash / shell scripting
Familiarity with Linux development environments
Interest in embedded Linux, spacecraft systems, or mission-critical software
Familiarity with basic software development practices, including Git, code reviews, debugging, and documentation
Ability to troubleshoot technical issues with support from senior engineers
Willingness to learn complex systems and ask good questions
Ability to communicate technical challenges, risks, and progress clearly
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
Ability to work in a cross-functional engineering environment

Love Space!

Preferred for the Role

Internship, academic, hobbyist, or project experience with Linux or embedded systems
Exposure to Linux internals, bootloaders, kernels, device trees, or root filesystems
Exposure to Yocto, Buildroot, or other embedded Linux build systems
Exposure to cross-compilation and low-level system interaction
Familiarity with device drivers or hardware/software interfaces
Familiarity with networking concepts and protocols
Experience with GitLab, CI/CD, issue tracking tools, or automated test pipelines
Experience with hardware bring-up, lab equipment, or debugging on target hardware
Familiarity with unit testing, integration testing, SITL, or HITL testing
Interest in aerospace, spacecraft operations, or operational software systems
Hobbyist project experience using Linux, embedded boards, robotics, radios, or home lab environments
Ability to obtain or maintain a US Secret Clearance

Benefits
In addition to compensation, York Space Systems is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance along with PTO and a 401K.

How To Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking the “Apply” link at the top of the page. York Space Systems will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is closed. York Space Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Must have permanent authorization to work in the United States. This policy applies to all terms and conditions or employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. YORK SPACE SYSTEMS IS AN EEO EMPLOYER.