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techroles

NASA Space Reactor – 1 Freedom Flight Software Development Engineer

CACI Open
Houston Full-time Mid-level Software Engineering

At a glance

Mid-level Software Engineering role at CACI. Houston · full-time · $76,000–$155,700 base.

SalaryStated by CACI
$76,000 – $155,700
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
This role, from CACIOur estimate for the market: $95,650–$122,350Median $115,850
The range includes the market median of $115,850 for mid-level software engineering roles in Houston.
Worked out from 5 postings that stated pay, median $115,850. Last updated Oct 7, 2026.
RoleSoftware Engineering
SeniorityMid-level
LocationHouston
EmploymentFull-time
Base pay$76,000–$155,700
PostedOct 19, 2026
Role brief

techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

  • Build SR-1 flight software and its supporting tools, using NASA’s cFS framework to develop and maintain the code
  • Turn software needs into requirements, interface definitions and performance analyses with the systems engineering team
  • Verify software through integration and testing, including software-hardware checks in avionics test beds
  • Prepare flight software for certification while following Johnson Space Center software processes
  • Coordinate with engineering teams and contractors across NASA projects

What you bring

  • A bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or a related discipline
  • At least five years developing safety-critical software, in aerospace or another industry
  • Strong C programming ability, Linux experience and work across the full software development life cycle
  • Experience with software unit testing

Who this fits

This role suits a self-directed, collaborative engineer who can explain technical issues clearly and handle multiple priorities with limited supervision. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and work onsite at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. Travel within the continental U.S. may reach ten percent.

From the employer

Job Title: NASA Space Reactor – 1 Freedom Flight Software Development Engineer

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: NACI

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Type of Travel: Continental US

* * *


The Opportunity:

CACI is looking for a Flight Software Development Engineer to support the Space Reactor – 1 Freedom Program at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). This exciting position includes design and development of safety-critical embedded flight software and supporting software tools for Space Reactor – 1 Freedom Integrated flight software. This software engineering position includes prototyping, requirements definition, design, development, test and verification, integration, and certification of flight software.

This position requires a self-motivated engineer with strong technical depth, communication skills, problem-solving ability, and a collaborative, customer-focused mindset. The strongest candidates will be flexible, team-oriented, and able to explain complex technical ideas clearly and convincingly while sharing our passion for the nation's space program and the development of the next generation of space vehicles. This work is performed onsite at NASA/JSC in Houston, Texas, in a highly dynamic environment that is central to human spaceflight and space exploration.


Responsibilities:

  • Design and develop SR-1 flight software and supporting software tools.
  • Develop and maintain software using the NASA Core Flight Software (cFS) framework.
  • Perform systems engineering in support of software requirements, interface definitions, 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.


Qualifications:

Required:

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to facilitate access to USG facilities.
  • B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Software, Computer or Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related disciplines.
  • At least 5 years of experience in software development for safety-critical software. Experience can be for aerospace vehicles or in other industries, e.g., oil and gas. More experience is highly valued.
  • Strong C programming skills and experience with Linux.
  • Must have experience in the entire software life cycle.
  • Experience with software unit testing.
  • Must be flexible, open to new challenges in a dynamic environment, and possess strong technical expertise combined with strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Requires the ability to manage multiple priorities with little supervision.
  • Must be a highly responsible, team-oriented individual with strong work ethic.


Desired:

  • M.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer or Systems Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Experience in human-rated space vehicles, e.g., Space Shuttle, Space Station, Orion, Commercial Crew, Gateway, and in specific vehicle software domains (e.g., C&T, C&DH, GN&C).
  • Experience in NASA Core Flight Software (CFS).
  • Python development skills.
  • Experience developing embedded software for Real-time Operating Systems, preferably VxWorks.
  • Experience in bus communication protocols (e.g., 1553, RS-422, RS-232, USB, Ethernet).
  • Experience in software and systems integration.
  • Experience in automated testing.
  • Experience in verification testing.
  • Experience using GitLab and the Git version control system.
  • Experience using Jira.
  • Experience working in an Agile software development environment.

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:

$76,000 - 155,700 USD

CACI 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.
Opportunity

Software Engineering work from LinkedIn, X, Reddit and Upwork, in one list.

Each morning you get everything that fits, strongest first.

Software Engineering$70k+

Find me work

By the team behind techroles.

Find me work
Opportunity

Software Engineering work from LinkedIn, X, Reddit and Upwork, in one list.

Each morning you get everything that fits, strongest first.

Find me work

By the team behind techroles.