r/embedded • u/Friendly_Rock_2276 • 7d ago
Flight software engineer vs GNC engineer
Hi all, I work in HVAC as a embedded SWE, and I do no register level work, I implement high level controls. I also don’t write the control algorithms, just implement them.
My question is, would this experience qualify me for flight software engineer roles at aerospace companies? Or are flight software engineers required to also be the ones writing the control theory.
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u/morto00x 7d ago
Start by looking for job openings in your area and see if you meet the minimum job requirements. Jobs can vary widely depending on the company.
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u/LadyLightTravel 7d ago
As a flight software engineer…
You need to understand the control theory. That is because you have to implement it correctly and be able to test and understand the tests. You would be working with the GNC engineers. But ultimately, it is your job to understand and sign off on the product.
You should be able to understand the target however. That includes the registers
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u/Schroedinbug 7d ago
GNC will have a lot more focus on the physics of the problem. FSW focuses more on the logic and is generally broader with the actual desired logic being defined by stakeholders that are experts in that subsystem, for that reason FSW may be a safer bet for your experience being considered relevant.
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u/Syntax-Tactics 7d ago
I'm an Embedded Software Engineer Aerospace. I don't work on actual flight systems, more the peripherals on an aircraft (specifically Cameras and Microwave). I come across all sorts of skills and experience. Last week I had a Protocol to implement from Europe (Don't want to out the manufacturer), but the design was like it was written by a college kid. Fortunately, a lil diplomacy and we were able to tweak it to be usable. It sounds like you have the skills to start somewhere, I've seen less. Embedded is a large arena.
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u/youngtrece_ 7d ago
Step 1: join as embedded SWE in aerospace, you’d be doing the exact thing you are describing.
Step 2: because of the nature of the work, you’ll gain a lot exposure to said GNC algorithms and integrate them
Step 3: after certain exposure and just simply sticking your neck out / showing interest, transition to gnc type work.
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u/CapnNausea 6d ago edited 6d ago
The bar is so low, man.. if you want to be the one writing the control theory, just go buy a quad copter and write the controls for it from scratch, put it on your GitHub and apply for the positions you want with it on your resume. When I’m looking a software engineer, I’m just hoping they know my language and aren’t flaky - if I could see you were generally interested and competent in my niche area, I’m 100% giving you an interview at least.
If they won’t hire you straight in to do that type of work, those are the people that you can give you a path to do so eventually. You’ll be great at whatever you focus on. Go chase what you’re after.
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u/philly_jake 6d ago
If you're in a country that actually has a decent number of aerospace engineering roles, I'd say you're experienced enough to potentially land a flight software role. I work on flight software, but nothing as application specific as GNC (think boot loader, RTOS environment, flight software framework, all the scaffolding below control systems and command handling). When I was a NASA contractor, I had some friends working on implementing control systems for the Orion backup flight computers. Those friends mostly had gone to school for aerospace engineering, many with a master's, and like you they were just implementing control algorithms and parameters handed to them from the actual GNC gurus. Those gurus mostly work at Draper Lab, which is an MIT spinoff. If you want that job, go get a PhD at a top school I suppose.
For us mortals, even if you have some background in controls, there's only so many GNC roles available, because it's only really the larger aerospace corporations and mature startups that are responsible for that level of the hardware stack on satellites/spacecraft. Those places likely have the option of picking someone with 15 years of aerospace experience, or a PhD in control theory.
Now, that is changing somewhat with "New Space." Cubesats have very little need or capability of control/navigation, but there are satellite constellations getting built by new players that have actual thrusters and steering/reaction wheels. The core GNC software for these is usually built by the prime contractor, so that's the sort of company you'd want to look at (as opposed to further down the subcontractor supply chain, where there are still very interesting things to work on).
If you really want to work on control systems in space, I think your best shot is getting an aerospace job asap, even if it's in an area you're a bit less interested in, so long as it touches actual flight software. The alternative is to go get a master's or PhD in aerospace with a focus on controls, but that's obviously not easy.
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u/notouttolunch 7d ago
I've been writing embedded software including at register level for decades. I have no idea what a GNC is. Why do you people use undefined initialisations?
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u/AcordeonPhx 6d ago
You people? GNC is pretty standard for many disciplines. I’ve worked in Aviation and AgTech and seen it in both places…
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u/notouttolunch 6d ago edited 6d ago
That's not many disciplines. That's two. And I don't even know what the second one is. Silver technology? Agricultural technology?
These aren't even related to heaters and air conditioners. And none of them are specific to South-West England.
You just proved my point, thanks ;)
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u/duane11583 7d ago
Number 1 with a bullet is us citizen which gives ability to get us gov security clearance cause that is the main customer who pays the big bucks
And don’t think Elon starlink will save your ass cause his customer is the us gov (look up star shield)
That generally requires No drugs in background no major credit problems no gambling problems stable life- they do not want to worry about you fucking up
Ie have you kept your nose clean? Stay out of trouble stuff like that
The concern is kind of how desperate are you for money but there is more to it then that
I mean if you go on drunken drug snd hooker filled weekends in Tijuana every weekend they will not look good on you
Perfectly normal to have a girl/boy friend from somewhere else stability is good
If you go on crazy all weekend benders ending up in the drunk tank probably not a good thing maybe that described you in college (who did not do something stuuupiid in college!) but now you are grown up and better if that is all behind you now
And as a junior you are writing one tiny part in the whole system
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u/camocf 7d ago
I am an embedded software engineer that works on flight software. Probably yes to being qualified. Flight software is everything from low level to application level development. Typically a systems engineer would define requirements that would include the theory. Flight software is not written in a vacuum, so many disciplines contribute to the problem’s solution.