At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of flight software for next-gen space systems and missions.
- Company: ALTEN, a global leader in engineering and technology consultancy.
- Benefits: Personalised career path, private medical insurance, and diverse engineering projects.
- Other info: Join a passionate team with ongoing learning and clear career development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while working on exciting space projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in the space industry and embedded software development required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.
Supporting the development of next-generation space systems and missions. This role offers the opportunity to play a key technical leadership role, shaping the architecture and development of flight software for advanced spacecraft and space platforms.
Location: London
On Site: 1-2x a month
Clearance: Clearable
Experience Level: Mid Level
Key Responsibilities:
- Defining and owning the flight software architecture for complex space systems.
- Translating mission and system requirements into software architecture solutions.
- Establishing software design principles, standards, and development strategies.
- Managing interfaces between software, hardware, avionics, GNC, and systems engineering teams.
- Supporting software requirement definition, decomposition, and traceability activities.
- Leading architectural trade studies and technical decision-making.
- Supporting software verification, validation, integration, and qualification activities.
- Contributing to technical reviews and programme milestones.
- Identifying and mitigating software-related technical risks.
Qualifications Required Skills:
- Proven experience within the Space industry (essential).
- Significant experience in embedded software, flight software, or onboard software development for spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, or other space systems.
- Experience defining and maintaining software architectures for safety-critical or mission-critical systems.
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycles, software engineering principles, and architecture frameworks.
- Experience working with real-time and embedded systems.
- Knowledge of software verification, validation, and testing methodologies.
- Experience managing complex software interfaces across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with flight computers, onboard data handling systems, or spacecraft avionics.
- Familiarity with ECSS software standards and space industry best practices.
- Knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and middleware architectures.
- Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approaches.
- Understanding of fault management, redundancy concepts, and software resilience techniques.
- Experience supporting software integration, spacecraft testing, and operational readiness activities.
- Familiarity with communication protocols commonly used in space systems.
- Experience participating in major design reviews including PDR, CDR, and qualification reviews.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and technical leadership skills.
Additional Information:
Why join us? We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals. Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
Private Medical Insurance
Cycle details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
Flight Software Architect employer: ALTEN LTD - UK
ALTEN LTD - UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol that fosters innovation and collaboration in the aerospace and sustainable energy sectors. Employees benefit from a strong culture of professional development, with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects and contribute to meaningful advancements in sustainable aviation fuel technology. The company prioritises employee well-being and growth, making it an attractive place for those seeking a rewarding career in engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flight Software Architect
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with ALTEN LTD - UK for a Flight Software Architect. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Flight Software Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ALTEN LTD - UK, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At ALTEN LTD - UK, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN LTD - UK
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with ALTEN LTD - UK.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with ALTEN LTD - UK. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like ALTEN LTD - UK love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.