At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop advanced software for space systems in a dynamic team.
- Company: Leading organisation in the space sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to work on groundbreaking projects.
- Other info: Exciting greenfield opportunity with a collaborative and high-intensity environment.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and contribute to cutting-edge space technology.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in software engineering with embedded C++ experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A leading organisation within the space sector is seeking a Software Engineer to support the development and delivery of advanced space systems. Working as part of a growing software team, you will play a key role in ensuring products meet stringent quality and reliability requirements throughout the entire development lifecycle. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Project teams to drive software development from design through to delivery, helping ensure products can operate reliably in some of the world's most demanding environments. This environment is designed for proactive team players who can operate independently while contributing to a high-intensity mission. This contract position offers a rare greenfield opportunity to contribute to initial requirements and architecture specifications, building product-level software from the ground up.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for the design and development of on-board software and ground test software for payloads
- Derive software designs directly from requirements and contribute to Requirements, Architecture, Design, and Test documentation
- Document APIs and code to a suitable level
- Estimate resources for complete end-to-end solutions delivering product-level software to internal and external customers
- Identify root cause issues, developing test cases to make problems visible and provide robust solutions
- Proactively share knowledge within the software team and cross-functionally with validation and systems teams
- Build vital interface layers between high-level applications and hardware components (modems, networks, sensors)
- Handle protocol implementation and low-level device interfacing with processors, registers, or FPGAs
What We're Looking For
- 8+ years of experience as a software engineer with embedded C++ experience on Linux
- Experience coming from a high-intensity embedded sector (such as Space, Aerospace, Defence, or Automotive)
- Experience of formal development, test, integration, and documentation processes and associated toolsets (Git, GitLab, Jenkins, SonarQube, Nexus, GTest, GMock)
- Knowledge of or familiarity with industry standards such as ECSS, MISRA, or CERT C is advantageous
- Knowledge of computer networking, wireless telecommunications, DPDK, Linux kernel, device drivers, or Python is beneficial
- Understanding of electronics hardware related to the products (phased arrays, processor electronics, etc.) is a plus
Compliance: Please note successful candidates will be required to undergo BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening, including right-to-work, identity, criminal record, and a minimum of 3 years of employment history checks, as part of the onboarding process.
Software Engineer employer: Practicus
As a leading organisation in the space sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth, offering unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects in Manchester, Stevenage, or Harwell. With a focus on quality and reliability, we empower our software engineers to make significant contributions to advanced space systems while enjoying a balanced work-life with a four-day on-site schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Practicus or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Practicus.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Practicus.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Practicus that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Practicus.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Practicus and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Practicus
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Practicus uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
