Associate Space Software Engineer

Associate Space Software Engineer

Full-Time 42505 - 47213 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Imperial College London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop data pipelines and visualisations for cutting-edge space missions.
  • Company: Join the Space Magnetometer Lab at Imperial College London, a leader in space instrumentation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 41 days leave, and excellent career support.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on space exploration while working with experienced engineers and scientists.
  • Qualifications: Experience in software development and a passion for space science.

The predicted salary is between 42505 - 47213 £ per year.

The Space Magnetometer Lab at Imperial College London is a world-leading centre of excellence in space instrumentation. The team designs, builds and operates magnetic field instruments, such as those currently flying on ESA’s Solar Orbiter and JUICE missions, NASA’s IMAP mission, and in development for ESA Vigil and NASA HelioSwarm. Rapid and reliable management of data from both spacecraft and laboratory systems is critical to the scientific return of these missions.

We are entering an exciting phase of development for NASA’s HelioSwarm mission: a constellation of nine spacecraft, each carrying an Imperial magnetometer, designed to investigate the fundamental properties of plasma turbulence and due to launch in 2030. You will join the team developing these instruments and supporting the operation of IMAP and Solar Orbiter in flight, working alongside experienced engineers and scientists.

What you would be doing

  • Contribute to the development of a new data pipeline to manage large-scale data streams from nine HelioSwarm magnetometers.
  • Develop and enhance high-quality data visualisations to support engineers and scientists.
  • Contribute to both open-source software (GitHub) and the management of proprietary software, with support from senior team members.

You will also help extend and maintain our existing portfolio of 50+ data pipelines and web systems supporting the Solar Orbiter and IMAP missions — transforming real-time data streams into high-quality scientific outputs. From an early stage, you will work directly with flight-grade space hardware in our lab, developing hands-on experience with instrumentation that will ultimately be launched into space.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone to help extend and maintain our existing portfolio of 50+ data pipelines and web systems supporting the Solar Orbiter and IMAP missions — transforming real-time data streams into high-quality scientific outputs. This role involves significant collaboration with external partners and may require travel within the UK and internationally (including the USA).

What we can offer you

  • The opportunity to work in a world-leading centre of excellence.
  • Involvement in publications, conference presentations and future grant applications.
  • Access to Imperial’s sector-leading career support, as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
  • A sector-leading salary and remuneration package, including 41 days’ leave per year and generous pension schemes.
  • A diverse, inclusive and collaborative working culture, with staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

The position is available immediately. This is a full-time, fixed term role, due to end on the 31st of March 2027 based at our South Kensington campus. The Department of Physics is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and thriving community. We value the strength that comes from diverse perspectives, and we warmly welcome applications from talented people of all backgrounds, and particularly those underrepresented in physics, to join our vibrant community supported by initiatives that promote collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development.

Associate Space Software Engineer employer: Imperial College London

As a Section Manager at Imperial College, you will thrive in a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing research for the benefit of humanity. Enjoy a competitive salary and an impressive benefits package, including 41 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and access to on-site leisure facilities. Join a diverse and inclusive work culture that prioritises your personal and professional growth, making it an exceptional place to build your career.

Imperial College London

Contact Details:

Imperial College London Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Space Software Engineer

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 Imperial College London for a Associate Space Software Engineer. 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 Associate Space Software Engineer

Data Pipeline Development
Data Visualisation
Open-Source Software Management
Proprietary Software Management
Collaboration Skills
Hands-on Experience with Space Hardware
Real-time Data Processing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Imperial College London, 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 Imperial College London, 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 Imperial College London

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 Imperial College London.

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 Imperial College London. 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 Imperial College London love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.