
Lead Flight Software Engineer
Required skills
- embedded software
- real-time systems
- Linux-based embedded platforms
- kernel-level work
- custom driver development
- UART
- I2C
- SPI
- hardware bring-up
- system validation
Nice to have
- high-performance
- defense
- aerospace
- robotics
- automotive
- microcontrollers
Role summary
Castelion is seeking a Lead Flight Software Engineer to be a key technical leader in their Flight Software organization. This role involves defining system architecture, guiding engineering direction, and ensuring the reliable delivery of mission-critical embedded software. The Lead Engineer will own complex subsystems, mentor engineers, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and set the technical tempo for the team. Responsibilities include hands-on embedded software development for Linux-based and real-time systems, debugging, hardware bring-up, and system validation. The position also requires leading technical projects, mentoring team members, and collaborating with avionics, guidance, hardware, and test teams. Experience with C++, Rust, Linux-based embedded platforms, and system integration is essential. Technical leadership experience in high-performance or mission-critical organizations is preferred.
Why Castelion, Why Now
Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus, ownership, and excellence are decisive advantages - and we're building a world-class team to turn bold ideas into real capability.
This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where you'll have significant ownership, collaborate with exceptional teammates, and make a direct, measurable impact on our mission and the future of the company - regardless of your function.
Lead Flight Software Engineer
As a Lead Flight Software Engineer, you will serve as a key technical leader within Castelion's Flight Software organization. You will work closely with the Head of Flight Software to define architecture, guide engineering direction, and ensure reliable delivery of mission-critical embedded software across the vehicle stack. In addition to owning complex subsystems, you will mentor engineers, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and set the technical tempo for the team. This role is ideal for engineers who combine deep technical expertise with an ability to lead others, influence system-level decisions, and thrive in a fast-moving, highly integrated hardware - software environment.
Responsibilities
Basic Qualifications
Preferred Skills and Experience
Castelion offers a generous benefits package. Please refer to the bottom of our Careers page for more details.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
This position may require access to classified information or restricted U.S. Government sites, systems, or information, as determined by the Company and/or applicable U.S. Government requirements. If the position is so designated, your employment in the role may be contingent upon your ability to obtain and maintain the required U.S. Government security clearance or other government authorization, and to satisfy any citizenship or other eligibility requirements imposed by applicable law, regulation, executive order, or government contract requirements. You will be notified if and when such requirements apply.
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement
Castelion is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Castelion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in the interview process, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact hr@castelion.com. Requests for accommodation will be considered on an individual basis and handled in accordance with applicable law.
Castelion is committed to fostering a workplace where employment decisions are based on qualifications, business needs, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.
EAR/ITAR Requirements
This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
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