We’re Hiring: Chief Financial Officer - Bright Ascension in Edinburgh

Headquartered in Edinburgh, with a growing international footprint, the company provides an integrated suite of flight and ground software that supports spacecraft throughout the mission lifecycle. Its mission-critical flight software, mission control systems and integrated software platforms simplify the design, deployment and operation of spacecraft. BAL’s proprietary technology is used by organisations ranging from early-stage NewSpace ventures to established global space operators, helping to significantly reduce the cost, complexity and risk associated with delivering missions in orbit.

Operating at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing and most strategically important industries, Bright Ascension has built a strong reputation for engineering excellence and product innovation. The business has successfully transitioned from a specialist consultancy into a product-led software organisation, with its HELIX platform now the core offering in an increasing number of commercial and institutional space missions worldwide. To date, more than 60 satellites have been launched using Bright Ascension’s software – an important marker of both the maturity of its technology and the confidence placed in its technology by customers across the global space ecosystem.

Building on recent investment to accelerate product development and commercial expansion, Bright Ascension is now entering a significant new phase of growth. With a strengthened leadership team in place, rising international demand for scalable space software solutions, and a clear ambition to further commercialise its product suite, the business is focused on building the operational capability and financial infrastructure required to support its next stage of scale.

Against this backdrop, the appointment of a commercially minded Chief Financial Officer represents a pivotal addition to the executive leadership team – bringing the financial leadership, strategic insight and organisational capability required to help shape and enable the next chapter of Bright Ascension’s growth.

About the role

The Chief Financial Officer will play a central role in supporting Bright Ascension through the next stage of its development, providing the financial leadership, commercial insight and strategic perspective required to underpin the company’s long-term ambitions. As a member of the senior leadership team, the successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board and shareholders to ensure the business is equipped with the financial disciplines, governance and decision-making frameworks necessary to support sustainable growth.

The role encompasses full responsibility for the company’s financial stewardship, reporting and compliance, whilst also acting as a key commercial partner across the organisation. Through the development of robust financial planning, forecasting, performance reporting and business analytics, the CFO will provide the insight required to inform strategic decisions, support future investment and enhance operational performance. Alongside this, they will continue to develop the finance function, strengthening systems, processes and capability to ensure it is well positioned to support an ambitious, scaling technology business.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic Planning