Flight Software Verification Engineer
About the job
- At least 5 years of experience with C or C++.
- Experience in safety-critical software verification to achieve DO-178C objectives or a comparable standard.
- Experience with requirements-based testing in unit test and Hardware-in-the-Loop environments.
- A bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Contribute to the DO-178C verification strategy and its implementation.
- Create tooling to provide an effective and compliant environment for software verification.
- Oversee and author test development.
- Perform tool qualification in accordance with DO-178C and DO-330.
- Experience defining software verification strategy for DO-178C programs.
- Experience leading test framework tooling development.
- Experience with tool qualification for DO-178C and DO-330.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
We're building safety-enhancing technology for aviation that will save lives. Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods — and eventually people — move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.
Flight Software Verification Engineer
As a Flight Software Verification Engineer at Reliable Robotics, you will be a key contributor to verification of embedded software that works with sensors & control systems, robustly handles system faults, and integrates with other vehicle subsystems. You’ll work directly with flight hardware in the lab and on the plane, plan flight testing, and watch your verified software fly an aircraft. Our Flight Software teams are deeply involved in all aspects of the development, verification, and certification of the Reliable Robotics autonomy stack, and play a central role in bringing our aircraft to life.
Responsibilities
Be a key contributor to the DO-178C verification strategy and implementation
Create tooling to provide an effective and compliant environment for software verification
Oversee and author test development
Perform tool qualification in accordance with DO-178C/DO-330
Basic Success Criteria
5+ years experience with C or C++
Experience in safety-critical verification of software to achieve DO-178C objectives or comparable standard
Experience with requirements based testing in unit test and Hardware-In-The-Loop environments
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience
Preferred Criteria
Experience in defining software verification strategy for DO-178C programs
Experience leading test framework tooling development
Experience with tool qualification for DO-178C/DO-330
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Flight Software links together the mechanical, avionics, algorithmic, and embedded worlds to actually make the airplane fly. The core nature of the role offers the opportunity to interact with teams and components across the entire automated aircraft and to specialize in the areas most exciting to you.
This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. An offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws.
All applicants are asked to provide documentation that legally establishes status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (and nationalities in the case of a non-U.S. person). Where the applicant is not a U.S. person, meaning not a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or not otherwise permitted to access the export-controlled technology without U.S. government authorization, the Company reserves the right not to apply for an export license for such applicants whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code requires authorization and may decline to proceed with the application process and any offer of employment on that basis.
At Reliable Robotics, our goal is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical conditions, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment and promotion is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected]
About the company
Reliable Robotics builds automation systems for airplanes to enable autonomous flight. They focus on both cargo and passenger aircraft (Part 23 small planes and Part 25 larger jets) and work with customers by selling or licensing their systems and providing maintenance and support. Their technology integrates into aircraft to enable gate-to-gate autonomous operations, using a certification-forward process that emphasizes meeting regulatory safety standards early in development. This makes their systems safer and more reliable from the start and helps them gain regulatory approval faster. The company differentiates itself through a proven track record of fully automated gate-to-gate operations on a Part 23 aircraft and by combining aerospace engineering with robotics know-how to align with aviation rules. The goal is to make air travel safer, more affordable, and more accessible, while transforming how goods and people are moved around the world.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
Series D
Total Funding
$445.6M
Headquarters
Mountain View, California
Founded
2017
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Reliable raised $160 million in April 2026, nearing a $1 billion valuation.
- Albuquerque eIPP flights begin in 2026, targeting first paid autonomous cargo routes.
- The Air Force awarded $17.4 million for Indo-Pacific logistics demonstrations, expanding validation.
What critics are saying
- FAA certification still hinges on compliance evidence; missing flight data pushes commercialization toward 2028.
- Albuquerque launch depends on Reliable Airlines execution; route delays postpone the first revenue flights.
- If one uncrewed Caravan mishaps, regulators freeze Part 135 operations and the certification thesis collapses.
What makes Reliable Robotics unique
- FAA has accepted Reliable’s certification plans, means of compliance, and closed issue papers in 2026.
- Reliable’s Cessna 208 Caravan uses certified airframes, shrinking certification scope versus purpose-built aircraft.
- Dual-use autonomy across FAA and Air Force programs creates shared flight data and credibility.
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Benefits
- Stock options
- Employee medical
- 401k contribution
- Great co-workers
- Casual work environment
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
3%1 year growth
-1%2 year growth
-3%Reliable Robotics raises $115M more, pushing Series D to $275M and valuation above $1B. The autonomous aviation company will use the additional capital to expand aircraft production, grow its engineering workforce and advance FAA certification of its gate-to-gate flight automation system. Prefer on Google Reliable Robotics has raised an additional $115 million in capital, expanding its previously announced Series D funding round from $160 million to $275 million amid increased investor demand. The latest financing values the autonomous aviation company at more than $1 billion. The additional capital includes a $25 million term loan from Silicon Valley Bank. Reliable Robotics said it has raised more than $380 million in equity capital to date. Discover more The company will use the funding to expand its aircraft fleet and production facilities, strengthen its engineering workforce and accelerate the development of its autonomous flight technology. Nimble Partners led the round as a returning investor. New participants include Gideon Capital, RockCreek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital and Sparkwave Capital, alongside continued investment from Island Green Partners. Allen & Company supported the fundraising process. Autonomous flight designed for existing aircraft. Reliable Robotics is developing autonomous aircraft systems intended to improve aviation safety while operating with existing certified aircraft and aviation infrastructure. Its core technology comprises the Reliable Autonomy System (RAS) and Reliable Radar. The company says the systems are designed to address major causes of aviation accidents, including loss of control (LOC) and controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). Reliable's approach aims to enable commercial autonomous operations without requiring changes to the US National Airspace System. The technology is designed to support automated flight operations from gate to gate, including taxiing, takeoff, en-route flight management and landing. The company has established partnerships across the aviation sector, including with aircraft manufacturers, avionics suppliers and operators. Commercial and military applications. Reliable's autonomy technology has potential applications in both commercial and military aviation. The company said it has secured contracts with multiple branches of the US military and completed several military airworthiness review processes with the US Air Force. Discover more electric vehicle (EV Electric Vehicles Its selection for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program also enables pre-certification operations in the National Airspace System. Under the programme, Reliable plans to deliver cargo to small and rural communities in New Mexico and Colorado. The initiative provides an opportunity to demonstrate the technology in practical operations as the company continues pursuing certification. FAA certification for Cessna Grand Caravan. Reliable is working with the FAA to certify its Reliable Autonomy System for commercial operations on the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan. The company describes RAS as the first FAA-certifiable system designed to enable full gate-to-gate automated aircraft operation. Reliable also says it has secured FAA acceptance of its certification plan and means of compliance, as well as closed issue papers concerning continuous autopilot engagement. The system combines high-integrity navigation, full-authority flight controls and four-dimensional flight planning. Its intended capabilities include automated taxiing, takeoff, en-route navigation and landing at airports across the United States. FAA certification remains a key milestone in bringing the system into commercial service. New offices support engineering expansion. Alongside the expanded Series D round, Reliable Robotics announced the opening of new offices in Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California. The locations will complement its existing operations in Mountain View and San Martin, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company plans to recruit across engineering disciplines and establish a centre of excellence for its radar programme in Seattle. Reliable said its workforce has grown to more than 250 employees and that it is continuing to recruit across its office locations. The additional funding, expanded facilities and hiring plans are intended to help Reliable advance certification work while scaling production of autonomous aviation systems for commercial and defense applications. Discover more Electrified Compare EV Models electric vehicle
Reliable Robotics secures $115M to advance autonomous aviation. 21 October 2026 Key Takeaways * Reliable Robotics has secured $115 million in additional capital, pushing its valuation above $1 billion. * The financing expands its Series D to $275 million, including $90 million in equity and $25 million in debt. * The company will expand aircraft production, engineering teams and efforts to secure FAA certification. Reliable Robotics secures $115M in Series D extension. Reliable Robotics has secured a $115 million funding round to develop its autonomous aircraft technology. Mountain View-based Reliable announced the new funding on 20 October. The financing increases the series D funding round to $275 million and values the company at more than $1 billion. Nimble Partners, a repeat investor, led the equity financing. The funding round also consists of $90 million in equity and a $25 million term loan from Silicon Valley Bank. New investors such as Gideon Strategic Partners, Rock Creek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital, and Sparkwave Capital also participated. Island Green Partners also invested once more. The company has accumulated over $380 million in equity funding to date. It intends to scale up its aircraft fleet and production facilities. The funds will also help accelerate engineering hiring and advance technology development. Crossing the billion-dollar valuation threshold is a major achievement. Autonomous flight technology targets aviation safety. Reliable Robotics' core technology combines the Reliable Autonomy System with its proprietary radar. The system is designed to manage aircraft operations from gate to gate. Its capabilities include taxiing, take-off, flight management and landing. The technology targets major aviation accident risks. These include loss of control and controlled flight into terrain. High-integrity navigation, automated flight controls and four-dimensional flight planning support its safety approach. Reliable is pursuing Federal Aviation Administration certification for commercial operations on the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan. Its continuous autopilot engagement system is the first stage. CEO Robert Rose expects certification for this capability within 18 to 24 months. A later stage would allow pilots to operate aircraft from ground-control stations. Rose estimates that approval remains at least three years away. The company is also developing solid-state radar designed to improve collision detection. Rose expects radar certification by the end of 2027. Government partnerships support commercial development. Reliable Robotics is advancing autonomous aviation through government contracts, military partnerships, and FAA pilot programme participation. These initiatives support operational testing and potential commercial expansion across regional cargo routes. Source: Created by Ventureburn. Reliable Robotics is pursuing opportunities across commercial and military aviation. The company has secured contracts with multiple branches of the US military. It has also completed several military airworthiness review processes with the US Air Force. Its selection for the FAA's Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program supports pre-certification operations. These flights will deliver cargo to smaller communities across New Mexico and Colorado. The programme offers opportunities to demonstrate the technology under operational conditions. These activities provide operational experience alongside certification efforts. The company's technology is designed for existing aircraft rather than entirely new airframes. This approach could reduce barriers to adoption if regulators approve commercial deployment. Nimble Partners founder John Burbank said the opportunity extends beyond building a single autonomous aircraft. He believes the technology could eventually support different aircraft types. However, broad adoption will depend on certification outcomes and operational reliability. Reliable Robotics expands engineering and production capacity. The fresh funds will be used to accelerate the company's growth phase. Reliable Robotics has established new offices in Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California. It also supports operations in Mountain View, San Martin and Albuquerque. Today the company has over 250 employees. It will continue hiring throughout engineering, and open a radar centre of excellence in Seattle. In addition, increased production capacity will accommodate the company's expanding aircraft programme. Reliable Robotics. Certification timelines may impact the pace of commercial deployment and revenue generation. Nevertheless, its expanded financing provides additional resources for engineering and operational development. To stay updated on crypto venture capital funding and market trends, visit its venture capital news section for more insights. Clinton Nwachukwu is a crypto and finance writer with an MBA in Artificial Intelligence and 6+ years of experience creating content for leading global brands. He turns complex topics into clear, actionable insights for readers worldwide. Disclaimer VentureBurn is a media platform covering the latest in cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, venture capital, and the startup ecosystem. Opinions expressed on VentureBurn are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. Before making any high-risk investments in digital assets or emerging technologies, readers should conduct their own due diligence. All transactions and financial decisions are made at your own risk, and any losses incurred are solely your responsibility. VentureBurn does not endorse or recommend the buying or selling of any digital assets and is not a licensed investment advisor. Please note that VentureBurn may participate in affiliate marketing programs. Editor's Choice
Reliable Robotics raises $115M in new funding, tops $1B valuation as autonomous aviation takes off. Reliable Robotics has raised $115 million in fresh capital, pushing its valuation past $1 billion as the Silicon Valley startup races to bring autonomous aircraft into commercial aviation. The new financing extends its previously announced $160 million Series D to $275 million, giving the company more financial backing to pursue federal certification for technology that could one day allow aircraft to fly without pilots in the cockpit. The Mountain View, California-based startup announced the funding Tuesday, October 20, marking a major milestone in its nearly decade-long effort to automate aviation. The investment includes $90 million in equity financing and a $25 million term loan from Silicon Valley Bank. Reliable has now raised more than $380 million in equity capital. Returning investor Nimble Partners led the financing, joined by new backers Gideon Capital, RockCreek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital, and Sparkwave Capital. Island Green Partners participated again, and Allen & Company supported the fundraising. The fresh capital will help Reliable expand its aircraft fleet, increase production capacity, and hire more engineers, Reliable Robotics said in a statement. The company is opening offices in Seattle and San Diego, bringing its growing workforce of more than 250 employees closer to key aviation and engineering talent pools. Reliable Robotics isn't trying to build an entirely new aircraft. Its bigger bet is that existing planes can be retrofitted with autonomous flight systems, potentially reducing operating costs and addressing some of aviation's most persistent safety challenges. Founded by former SpaceX engineers Robert Rose and Juerg Frefel, Reliable is developing technology intended to automate an aircraft's entire flight, from taxiing and takeoff to navigation and landing. From self-flying aircraft to FAA certification. At the center of Reliable's strategy is its Reliable Autonomy System (RAS), which combines automated flight controls, advanced navigation, and flight planning. The technology is being developed for the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, a widely used aircraft for regional cargo transportation. The system is intended to address aviation hazards such as loss of control and controlled flight into terrain, two major causes of aircraft accidents. Reliable is developing its own radar technology to detect potential collisions with other aircraft and obstacles. Getting the technology into commercial service is another matter. Unlike autonomous vehicles operating on roads, aircraft must satisfy strict federal safety requirements before carrying out routine commercial flights. Reliable is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify its automated flight systems, a process that demands extensive testing and documentation. According to TechCrunch, CEO Robert Rose expects the company's first certification, covering continuous autopilot operation with a pilot aboard, within 18 to 24 months. Removing the pilot from the cockpit is expected to take at least three years. Those timelines remain company estimates, not regulatory approvals. Reliable has secured contracts with multiple branches of the U.S. military, giving its technology potential applications in defense logistics and other missions. The company was selected for the FAA's Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program, which supports testing of new aviation technologies. Its participation includes plans for autonomous cargo operations serving smaller and rural communities in New Mexico and Colorado. The U.S. Department of Transportation confirmed Reliable's selection in June, highlighting the potential for autonomous regional aircraft to improve cargo access in underserved areas. The startup's billion-dollar valuation reflects investor confidence in an aviation market that has long struggled with high operating costs, pilot shortages in certain segments, and the expense of serving smaller destinations. Yet the biggest hurdle remains certification, not funding. Reliable must demonstrate that its systems can operate safely and consistently under demanding real-world conditions before widespread commercial deployment becomes possible. For now, the company's newest $115 million investment buys it more aircraft, more engineers, and more time to prove that the future of autonomous aviation can begin with planes already flying today.
SpaceX alum's aviation startup, Reliable Robotics, lands $115M, topping $1B valuation. 6:17 AM PDT · October 20, 2026 Reliable Robotics has been working for nearly a decade to commercialize autonomous flying technology that can be installed on existing aircraft. Now, with a $115 million funding boost, the Mountain View, California-based startup has a longer runway as it pushes to get its autonomous flight system certified by the Federal Aviation Administration - a critical milestone that co-founder and CEO Robert Rose said the startup is inching toward. The financing is an extension of its Series D round and includes $90 million in equity funding led by Nimble Partners and $25 million in debt from Silicon Valley Bank. The Series D round, which now totals $275 million, has pushed the startup's valuation beyond the $1 billion mark. Other investors include Gideon Strategic Partners, RockCreek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital, Sparkwave Capital and others. Reliable has raised $380 million to date. "We continue to make steady progress and deliver evidence to the FAA and every day, we inch closer and closer," said Rose, a former director of flight software at SpaceX who has also had stints at Tesla and Google. Reliable co-founder and CTO Juerg Frefel is also a SpaceX veteran who spent nearly a decade there as an engineer. And in aviation - one of the most regulated industries in the world - moving toward certification of new technology is progress. Reliable Robotics is working to gain FAA certification on four fronts, all of which are linked to its goal of autonomous flight. Its first product, called continuous autopilot engagement, handles the engine startup, taxiing, takeoff, and landing for the pilot, who remains in the aircraft and interacts with the autonomous flight system through a touchscreen. Rose expects to receive certification for this critical first system in 18 to 24 months. The second certification, which Rose says is at least three years away, removes the pilot from the cockpit and moves them to a ground-control station. Equity Live: The Startup Stories Shaping 2026 Reliable is also working toward certification of a collision-avoidance radar, which the company has developed in-house after failing to attract legacy suppliers to take on the project. Most conventional radar systems use an antenna that moves to scan the surrounding airspace. Reliable has developed a solid-state radar that has no moving parts and scans the sky at a longer range and at much higher resolution, according to Rose. It's also easier to maintain because there are no moving parts and it costs less, he added. "This is of great interest to operators these days, given the collisions that we've had recently in commercial aviation," he said, adding that the radar also works on the ground to prevent collisions with other aircraft or infrastructure. Rose expects the solid-state radar to be certified by the end of 2027. The final certification is for its airline, called Reliable Airlines, which will be the first airline certified to use the autonomous flying technology. The airline is based in Albuquerque and uses six Cessna Caravans - workhorses of the aviation industry - to fly cargo six days a week. (The FAA certifies equipment, but the agency also must certify the airline operations under a separate set of regulations.) While the certification process is lengthy, Nimble Partners founder John Burbank said the benefits will be broad and significant. "It's a much bigger effort and much bigger opportunity than to just build one plane," Burbank said, noting that Reliable is building a system that can be adopted by any airframe. "They had a really big vision nine years ago, and saw this as something needed and essential. Once they get the first one approved, then everyone will realize this is going to be the path for the industry, just as we're seeing the path for the auto industry being autonomous." When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn't affect our editorial independence. Kirsten Korosec Transportation Editor Kirsten Korosec is a reporter and editor who has covered the future of transportation from EVs and autonomous vehicles to urban air mobility and in-car tech for more than a decade. She is currently the transportation editor at TechCrunch and co-host of TechCrunch's Equity podcast. She is also co-founder and co-host of the podcast, "The Autonocast." She previously wrote for Fortune, The Verge, Bloomberg, MIT Technology Review and CBS Interactive. You can contact or verify outreach from Kirsten by emailing [email protected] or via encrypted message at kkorosec.07 on Signal. November 4 Buy One Pass, Get a Second Free Cover more ground at TechCrunch's ultimate founder bootcamp of the year by bringing your co-founder or partner for free Book before the BOGO deal expires
Reliable Robotics has raised $115 million in new capital, upsizing its previously announced $160 million Series D round because of strong investor demand. The round, which includes a $25 million term loan from Silicon Valley Bank, lifts the autonomous aircraft systems company's valuation above $1 billion. The Series D now totals $275 million, and the company has raised more than $380 million in equity to date. Nimble Partners, a returning investor, led the round. New backers include Gideon Capital, RockCreek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital, and Sparkwave Capital. Reliable will use the money to expand its aircraft fleet and production facilities and to grow its engineering team. It is opening offices in Seattle and San Diego, and now has more than 250 employees.