At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and maintain real-time flight software for next-gen satellites.
- Company: Pioneering leader in the space industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Equity participation, private healthcare, flexible working, and relocation assistance.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and international exposure.
- Why this job: Shape the future of space exploration and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in embedded systems and strong programming skills in C, C++, or Rust.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our Client is a pioneering leader in the space industry, shaping the future of space exploration and satellite technology. They are known for their cutting‑edge approach to satellite development and innovative space solutions, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and technological advancement. This position offers the chance to lead the development of onboard software for next‑generation satellites, directly influencing the safety, autonomy, and performance of spacecraft operating in low Earth orbit.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, test, and maintain real‑time flight software using programming languages such as C, C++, or Rust on RTOS or Embedded Linux platforms.
- Define interface control documents (ICDs) and create drivers and middleware for hardware interfaces including I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, and SpaceWire.
- Design and implement autonomous behaviour logic, including mode management, sequencing, and fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR).
- Ensure real‑time performance through careful management of concurrency, timing, and resource utilisation within stringent constraints.
- Build verification tools and prototypes, including SIL/HIL test harnesses, simulation models, and telemetry analysis tools to validate system integrity and performance.
- Support the deployment of code from review stages through CI/CD pipelines, assisting with integration, launch operations, and secure over‑the‑air updates.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams such as avionics, AOCS, communications, and mission planning to optimise compute, power, thermal, and storage resources.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in developing embedded or real‑time systems in C, C++, or Rust within space or high‑reliability environments.
- Strong understanding of real‑time software principles, including scheduling, interrupt handling, concurrency, and deterministic behaviour.
- Hands‑on experience integrating hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN‑FD, GPIO) and practical debugging skills in a lab setting.
- Solid foundation in software engineering best practices: system architecture, static analysis, code reviews, CI/CD pipelines, and system observability.
- Ability to manage projects end‑to‑end from system requirements and design through implementation, testing, and operational support.
- Familiarity with spacecraft flight software frameworks, such as cFS, F’, or custom lightweight component‑based architectures.
- Knowledge of fault management strategies for radiation effects, SEUs, redundancy, and safe‑mode protocols.
- Experience with GNC/AOCS systems, including sensor and actuator data pipelines, control algorithms, and estimation filters.
- Exposure to digital twins, simulation environments, and SIL/HIL testing for end‑to‑end system validation.
- Experience supporting on‑orbit operations, including spacecraft commissioning, anomaly handling, telemetry analysis, and OTA updates.
Benefits & Perks
- Contribute to revolutionary space technologies, including advanced ion propulsion systems and ultra‑low Earth orbit satellites.
- Take ownership of critical components across the entire satellite lifecycle, from design to deployment and ongoing operation.
- Comprehensive package that includes equity participation, private healthcare, and dental and optical coverage.
- Flexible hybrid working model with one remote working day per week.
- Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship for international candidates.
Flight Software Engineer in England employer: IO Associates
Join a pioneering leader in the space industry, where innovation and collaboration drive the development of next-generation satellite technology. As a Flight Software Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects that shape the future of space exploration, all while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including equity participation and flexible working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flight Software Engineer in England
✨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 IO Associates for a Flight 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 Flight Software Engineer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at IO Associates, 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 IO Associates, 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 IO Associates
✨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 IO Associates.
✨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 IO Associates. 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 IO Associates love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
