Space Software Engineer I

Space Software Engineer I

Full-Time No working from home possible
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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

You will:

  • 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 member

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 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.

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.

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.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community.

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Space Software Engineer I 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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Contact Details:

SONICOM Recruitment Team