At a Glance
- Tasks: Build 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 41 days of leave, competitive salary, and top-notch career support.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Work on groundbreaking projects that will be launched into space and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development and a passion for space science.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ 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.
What you would be doing
- Build a new data pipeline to manage large-scale data streams from nine HelioSwarm magnetometers.
- Develop high-quality data visualisations to support engineers and scientists.
- Contribute to both open-source software (GitHub) and the management of proprietary software.
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 (35 hours per week), 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.
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download. Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above. We reserve the right to close the advert before the stated closing date, should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
About Imperial
Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact. As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network. This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture
We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages. Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community. Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Space Software Engineer employer: SONICOM
At SONICOM, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our sector-leading salary and opportunities for professional development, making this an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in the field of mitochondrial medicine.
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We think this is how you could land Space Software Engineer
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We think you need these skills to ace Space Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with SONICOM, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like SONICOM want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
