At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and evolution of innovative flight software for space missions.
- Company: Join ClearSpace, a pioneering company in sustainable space operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of space exploration and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in embedded software development with strong architecture skills.
The predicted salary is between 55035 - 67265 £ per year.
At ClearSpace, we believe in reusability, in affordability driving disruption, and that no progress is real unless it is sustainable. Our company was founded in 2018 out of the realization that in-orbit servicing and space debris removal are vital services for the future of space exploration and operations. Today ClearSpace has assembled an expert engineering team and is leading the way toward sustainable space operations. From a garage in Switzerland, we now operate across the UK and Europe, and are working with world-leading institutions and companies to bring our dream of a sustainable space ecosystem to life.
We are looking for a Flight Software Architect to join our UK or Luxembourg office who will work on both our current missions and future projects.
Role Purpose/Summary
The Flight Software Architect reports to the Flight Software & AIV team lead and is responsible for defining, maintaining, and evolving ClearSpace Flight Software (FSW) architecture and technical roadmap, and for ensuring consistent execution across projects. At discipline level, you will support projects in the definition and implementation of the FSW roadmap (architecture baseline, key design decisions, reviews, standards, and reuse). At project level, you will act as Software Subsystem Lead on selected projects, owning software design and system specification and supporting delivery commitments (scope, cost, schedule, and quality).
Role Responsibilities
- Architecture
- Support architecture trade-offs at system level
- Identify and push innovations into the FSW
- Define Product Policy to streamline SW development across projects
- Derive Software System Specification and Design
- Prepare and conduct architecture and design reviews
- Methods and tools
- Promote technical excellence, key player in the Continuous Improvement of the FSW team
- Define and disseminate good practices
- Process
- Define and adjust FSW development process according to the applicable standards
- SW Project Management
- Bids
- Supports the proposal and estimate process
- Participate in Make/Buy/Partner strategy definition and implementation
- Build and maintain partnership with external suppliers
- Projects
- Responsible for delivering the FSW on time, within the budget, and with the right level of quality
- Lead the project software team
- Coordinate the activities within ClearSpace, and with external suppliers
- Control the cost and schedule, and report to the Project Manager
- Support the contractual follow-up of the external suppliers
- Technical expertise
- Perform development and validation of some key SW components
- Mentor and train the FSW team
- Lead / perform problem resolution sessions
- Key point of contact within the company for Flight Software
- Provide technical support to the system / subsystem teams and to the management team
- Act as ClearSpace Customer interface for the FSW
Must have
- 10+ years of relevant experience in embedded software development and verification/validation, preferably in standard-driven industries (e.g., ECSS, DO-178, CENELEC EN 50128, ISO 26262)
- Strong software architecture and design skills, including requirements-driven development and design reviews
- Ability to work hands-on when needed (development and validation of key software components)
- MSc Degree in Software, Electronics, Aerospace, Physics or similar
- Team player attitude and good communication skills
- Innovative and rigorous
- Capacity to have both a helicopter view of the FSW matters and to dive into complex detailed technical topics
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Experience delivering software in a project context (planning, cost/schedule awareness, supplier coordination)
Nice to have
- Real-time embedded development (e.g., C/C++, RTOS, low-level interfaces)
- Verification tooling and automation (e.g., unit/integration testing, CI, scripting such as Python)
- Space software context (e.g., ECSS processes, AIV/AIT interfaces, on-board software constraints)
Flight Software Architect (UK) employer: ClearSpace
At ClearSpace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation in the aerospace sector. Our team is dedicated to professional growth, providing ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement while working on cutting-edge projects that contribute to sustainable space exploration. Located in a vibrant area, we also offer competitive benefits and a supportive environment that values each employee's contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flight Software Architect (UK)
✨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 ClearSpace for a Flight Software Architect (UK). 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 (UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ClearSpace, 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 ClearSpace, 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 ClearSpace
✨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 ClearSpace.
✨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 ClearSpace. 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 ClearSpace love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
