Flight Software Engineer in London

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.