Senior Satellite Flight Software Engineer
Company: Lynk
Location: Chantilly
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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Job Description:
About Lynk Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to device or
D2D technology, and has the world’s only commercial license from
the FCC to operate a commercial D2D system. Today, Lynk allows
mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text
messages to and from space via standard unmodified, mobile devices.
Lynk’s service has been tested and proven on all seven continents,
has regulatory approvals in more than 30 countries and is currently
being deployed commercially based on more than 40 MNO commercial
service contracts covering approximately 50 countries. Our
technology will enable all 8 billion people on the planet to stay
connected with the existing standard phone in their pocket.
Everywhere. No matter what. By joining Lynk, you will have the
opportunity to directly touch the lives of billions. Your mission
will be to bring mobile broadband to billions, pull hundreds of
millions out of poverty, and save countless lives. Job Summary The
Senior Satellite Flight Software Engineer at Lynk will be
developing a variety of flight software applications for commanding
and controlling our satellites. This includes developing our
satellite command and data handling system software, in addition to
supporting software for both its primary (payload) and secondary
radio communications functions. The software will initially be
tested on the satellite prototype in a lab environment “flatsat”
that simulates orbit operations. The senior software engineer will
also be responsible for implementing methods of data acquisition to
ensure successful testing, verification, and validation. We build
spacecraft fast! So, the perfect candidate for this role will have
significant previous experience designing, developing, and testing
software on rapid timelines. We are looking for engineers that
enjoy a challenge and have a track record of creative thinking to
solve unconventional problems. Attention Experience with satellites
is not a requirement for this position. If you are a systems-level
software engineer with a passion for tackling new and exciting
domains, do not hesitate to apply! We are always looking for
talented individuals that can bring a new perspective. Core
Responsibilities You will be responsible for design, development,
and testing of all spacecraft flight software systems, including
those that implement our spacecraft Command and Data Handling;
Power; Communications; and Guidance, Navigation, and Control
Systems. This includes: Leading the design of software solutions
critical to the operation of our spacecraft, and developing these
as Linux applications that run on satellite flight systems. Writing
this software in Rust targeting an embedded Linux environment.
Working in a small, agile team to manage and execute the software
development lifecycle (requirements definition, design,
implementation, test, and verification) for many individual
projects. Mentoring junior and mid-level engineers, conducting
design and code reviews, and helping set technical direction for
the flight software team. Supporting Lynk’s Operations and Payload
teams, who each bring unique demands on the satellite flight
systems. Defining and implementing best practices for the flight
software team, including usage of the Rust programming language.
Creating embedded software to interact with satellite devices and
electronics using CAN, I2C, SPI, RS-422, RS-485, and other
protocols. Implementing inter-application coordination and
communications using standard inter-process communication or IPC
mechanisms available in Linux. Developing test software to support
unit, integration, and system testing of all flight software
functions. Required Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree or higher in
Software, Electrical, Aerospace, or in a related engineering field.
5 years of professional software engineering experience.
Demonstrated mastery of at least one systems programming language
such as Rust, C, or C++. A willingness to work in the Rust
programming language. Familiarity with Linux, operating system
principals, and network programming. Demonstrated experience with
all phases of the software development life cycle. Experience
developing software that interacts with hardware devices.
Experience with inter-process communication and IPC mechanisms.
Experience with Git source control and an understanding of CI/CD
system fundamentals. Preferred Qualifications 8 years of
professional software engineering experience. Advanced knowledge of
the Rust programming language. Familiarity with embedded Linux
systems, including the Yocto/OpenEmbedded project. Experience
developing and testing software for SmallSats / CubeSats.
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop integration and testing.
Experience with Protocol Buffers, ZeroMQ, gRPC, and Systemd ITAR
Requirements: To comply with U.S. Government export control
regulations (ITAR), applicants must be one of the following: (i) a
U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (green
card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) an
asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158. Individuals who do not meet these
criteria must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations
from the U.S. Department of State. For more information, please
refer to the ITAR guidelines. Learn about ITAR here. Job Location
On-site in Chantilly, VA
Keywords: Lynk, Charlottesville , Senior Satellite Flight Software Engineer, IT / Software / Systems , Chantilly, Virginia
