Software Project Lead Engineer Space Vehicle Embedded Software Development
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 26, 2026. First seen by Alion on Aug 17, 2026. CACI International scores D on the Alion truth index.
The Opportunity:
CACI is looking for experienced lead human spaceflight software engineers to provide project leadership and technical expertise in embedded software systems to support development of human-rated space vehicle avionics and subsystem software. The individual will work with current and future space flight projects at NASA Johnson Space Center including the lunar base, lunar vehicles and assets, Human Landing System (Lunar Lander), next generation space suits, and the Orion spacecraft. This work will include prototyping, requirements definition, design, development, test and verification, integration and certification of embedded software.
This position requires a self-motivated, capable person with strong verbal and written communication skills. In addition to outstanding technical expertise, the individual must be very people savvy, have leadership experience and strong customer relationship skills, possess a positive team-player attitude, be flexible and willing to take on new assignments and responsibilities as they arise, and be an articulate speaker able to communicate complex technical ideas in a convincing manner. The individual must share our passion for our Nation's Space Program and share in the excitement of developing the next human-rated space vehicles.
Responsibilities:
- Design and develop embedded software prototype and flight software.
- Perform systems engineering in support of software requirements and interface definitions, design, and performance analysis.
- Perform software integration, test, and verification.
- Integrate and test software/hardware in avionics test bed and flight certification environments.
- Collaborate with engineering teams and contractors across multiple NASA programs and projects.
- Ensure adherence to JSC standard software process practices.
- Willingness to take on a future technical leadership role including leading a software development team, developing and prioritizing new features based on customer needs, interacting with and providing support to users, managing project schedule, and giving large presentations and demonstrations of product capabilities.
- Support customer status reporting.
- Support recruiting and team member development initiatives.
This work takes place at NASA/JSC in Houston, TX, a highly stimulating and dynamic environment that is critical in human space flight and the space exploration initiative.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to facilitate access to USG facilities.
- B.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Software, Computer, or Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related disciplines required.
- At least ten years of experience in embedded software development for safety-critical software. Experience can be for aerospace vehicles, e.g., commercial or high-performance aircraft, satellites, or in other industries, e.g., oil and gas.
- Experience in technical leadership of software development teams.
- Strong C programming skills.
- Experience developing software in a Linux environment.
- Strong Python development skills.
- Must have significant experience in the entire software life cycle.
- Must be flexible, open to new challenges in a dynamic environment, and possess strong technical expertise combined with strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities with little supervision.
- Must be a highly responsible, team-oriented individual with strong work ethic.
- Must have highly developed coordination and organization skills.
Desired:
- M.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Software, Computer, or Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
- C++ programming skills.
- Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) experience.
- Experience in Real-time Operating Systems, preferably VxWorks.
- Experience developing embedded firmware for microcontrollers.
- Experience developing and troubleshooting device drivers.
- Experience in NASA Core Flight Software (CFS).
- Experience in Time-Triggered Ethernet (TTE).
- Experience in other bus communication protocols (e.g., 1553, RS-422, RS-232, USB, Ethernet).
- Experience with digital signal processors (DSPs).
- Experience with NASA / CACI Trick Simulation Framework.
- Experience developing and troubleshooting device drivers.
- Experience in software and systems integration.
- Experience in automated testing.
- Experience in verification testing.
- Experience with GitLab and the Git version control system.
- Experience using Jira.
- Experience working in an Agile software development environment.
- Experience in human-rated space vehicles, e.g., Space Shuttle, Space Station, Orion, Commercial Crew, and in specific vehicle software domains (e.g., C&T, C&DH, GN&C software).
- Familiarity with CMMI Level 3 (or above) process areas.
This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI.
This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI.What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$90,300 - 189,600 USDCACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.