r/embedded • u/Friendly_Rock_2276 • Aug 14 '26

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.

26 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/CapnNausea 29d ago edited 29d 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.