What's the salary range?

Apex Space lists $185,000–$210,000 for this role.

How much experience is required?

At least 8 years of relevant experience for this Senior Software Engineer, Operating Systems role.

What's the tech stack?

Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Embedded Linux, Python, Rust, WolfBoot, Yocto.

Does Apex Space sponsor work visas for this role?

Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.

What seniority level is this role?

Apex Space targets senior candidates for this position.

Is this full-time or contract?

Full-time for this Senior Software Engineer, Operating Systems role at Apex Space.

Joblaze summary

In the role of Senior Operating Systems Engineer at Apex Space, the individual will focus on developing and maintaining the software that powers spacecraft operations, ensuring reliability across all mission phases. Key skills include expertise in embedded Linux platforms, proficiency in programming languages like Python and C++, and experience with firmware update mechanisms. This position is ideal for seasoned engineers with a background in operating systems, particularly those who enjoy tackling complex challenges in a fast-paced environment. The Flight Software team emphasizes collaboration across various specialties, enhancing the development process.

Joblaze insights

Listed today — first seen on Joblaze October 21, 2026. Last confirmed on Apex Space's careers page October 21, 2026.
Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$129,391).
Starts above 90% of 284 comparable senior other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $153,000 across 57 companies). See Python salary trends
Python appears in 16.6% of 2538 comparable senior other roles in United States; Yocto appears in 0.1% of 2538 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: Apex Space lists $185,000–$210,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 8 years of relevant experience for this Senior Software Engineer, Operating Systems role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Embedded Linux, Python, Rust, WolfBoot, Yocto.
Does Apex Space sponsor work visas for this role?: Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?: Apex Space targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Senior Software Engineer, Operating Systems role at Apex Space.

From the original posting

About the Role

As a Senior Operating Systems Engineer on Apex's Flight Software team, you will design, develop, and own the software that brings our spacecraft to life. You will tackle the hardest problems in autonomous systems and build robust software that enables reliable spacecraft operation 24/7, across every phase of a mission. You will work closely with our mission operations, GNC, and hardware teams to architect new systems, prototype ideas, and turn them into mission-critical software that ultimately flies.

Experience in the space industry is not necessary to thrive at Apex. Instead, we are looking for motivated engineers who enjoy solving complex problems, balance technical rigor with practicality, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

The Flight Software team is composed of three interconnected teams: high-level application software, operating system software, and embedded software. There is significant collaboration and crossover across these teams.

Responsibilities

Develop the low level software that configures and drives the processor peripherals and communication interfaces on our avionics.
Develop, configure, and maintain embedded Linux platforms and bootloader frameworks, including Yocto, Buildroot, WolfBoot, and U-Boot.
Design, implement, and validate firmware update mechanisms, including bootloader integration, secure firmware deployment, and recovery procedures.
Design and implement security enhancements across complex software architectures to improve system integrity, resilience, and secure operation.

Requirements

U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
Bachelor's degree in CS, EE or equivalent, or equivalent professional experience.
8+ years writing code for operating systems, ideally Yocto or embedded Linux on spacecraft, robotics, automotive, or other hardware what that interacts with the physical world
Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Rust

Preferred requirements

Experience developing, testing, deploying, and troubleshooting mission-critical satellite software from prototyping through flight operations.
Experience with embedded Linux platforms and bootloader frameworks (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot, WolfBoot, U-Boot).
Experience bringing up new avionics and flight hardware from initial power-on through functional verification.
Experience with hardware/software integration, schematic analysis, and hardware debugging using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
Familiarity with spacecraft attitude control systems, including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, thrusters, and associated sensors.
Experience designing, implementing, and validating firmware update mechanisms, including bootloader integration, secure firmware deployment, and update recovery.
Experience designing secure systems and implementing security enhancements in complex software architectures.

Pay Range:
Senior: $185K - $210K
Staff: $200K - $250K

#LI-AB1

What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create

Standard company text repeated across Apex Space's postings is omitted here.