Overview
Senior Systems Engineer at AALTO leads software system design, development and integration for Zephyr HAPS. You will align onboard and ground software with safety, regulatory, and performance standards, collaborating across cross-functional teams. Your work enables reliable mission control, autonomous navigation, and real-time telemetry for high-endurance aviation systems. This role offers impact in shaping the Stratospace domain and advancing aerospace software engineering at scale.
Pay / Benefits
- short-term incentive plan
- 25 days holiday
- private medical insurance
- dental and optical cashback
- personal pension plan
- income protection and life assurance
Responsibilities
- Lead the integration of onboard and ground-based software systems (FMS, flight deck, mission control apps)
- Design and implement ground UAV control systems (datalink, Satcom, network routing, real-time telemetry)
- Define and integrate FMS capabilities for long-endurance UAVs (autonomy, mission planning, contingencies)
- Develop intuitive HMI for operators covering mission planning, flight control and telemetry visualization
- Establish modular, scalable, fault-tolerant software architecture for mission-critical systems
- Capture and manage software requirements with traceability to system goals
- Participate in SRR, PDR, CDR design reviews to ensure architectural alignment
- Develop and execute software verification/validation Plans (simulation, HIL, system testing)
- Ensure compliance with aviation standards (ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-178C) and support certification
- Identify and mitigate software risks including cybersecurity and data integrity
- Act as liaison between software and systems engineering for cohesive avionics-ground integration
- Maintain comprehensive software design, test results, and integration documentation
Key requirements
- Proven experience in software systems engineering in aerospace or UAVs
- Bachelor’s in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- Hands-on onboard software development and ground control systems experience
- Proficiency in TCP/UDP, datalink technologies, real-time systems
- Desirable familiarity with ARINC 661 and OpenGL for real-time visuals
- Experience with aviation standards (DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754, ARP4761)
- Knowledge of Systems Engineering tools (e.g., JAMA, IBM DOORS) and MBSE
- Understanding of UAV operations, safety standards, regulatory frameworks
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Problem-solving under safety-critical constraints
- User-centered design mindset for HMIs
- Onboard and ground software development
- Datalink and SATCOM systems
- Real-time systems and network protocols (TCP/UDP)
Senior Systems Engineer in Farnborough employer: AALTO HAPS
AALTO is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Farnborough where innovation meets aerospace excellence. As part of Team AALTO, you'll enjoy a culture that values collaboration and creativity, alongside comprehensive benefits such as private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and a personal pension plan. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee well-being, AALTO is dedicated to unlocking your potential while you contribute to pioneering advancements in Stratospace.
