At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop embedded C software for spacecraft and low-orbit systems in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a pioneering engineering team focused on space exploration technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and tackle unique engineering challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building software that operates in extreme conditions.
- Qualifications: Experience in embedded C development and understanding of real-time systems required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Standard 8 Systems is working with an engineering team building embedded software for spacecraft and low-orbit systems. These are real-time platforms, flying in genuinely hostile conditions, the kind of environment where you think NASA, you think SpaceX and you're in the right territory. This isn't app-layer work wearing an embedded label. You'll write C close to the metal: hardware interfaces, tight timing constraints, comms protocols, real-time behaviour, and the integration problems that only show up once hardware and software meet. When the thing you built is in orbit, there's no patching it next sprint, so the bar is high and nobody's cutting corners.
You'll sit inside a multidisciplinary team where software, electronics, systems and mission delivery all overlap. It moves fast, and the standard stays high, because the software has to hold up when it actually counts.
The role
- You'll develop embedded C for mission-critical systems and own it end to end: design it, build it, test it, integrate it, support it once it's flying.
- The focus is robust, low-level software that talks directly to hardware.
- Day to day that's reading technical requirements, working out how the system genuinely behaves, writing clean C, debugging the integration problems nobody else wants to touch, all inside a structured engineering process.
Day to day
- Writing embedded C for real-time and low-level systems
- Developing software that interfaces directly with hardware
- Working in RTOS and/or bare-metal environments
- Contributing to requirements definition, software design and implementation
- Debugging timing, interface and integration issues
- Working with communication protocols such as CAN, serial and IP networking
- Building Python scripts and tools for testing, automation or support
- Taking software through review, verification and system-level testing
- Working closely with electronics, systems and hardware engineers
- Keeping delivery moving without cutting corners on engineering quality
What you'll need
- Strong commercial experience developing embedded software in C
- Good understanding of real-time software development
- Experience with RTOS or bare-metal systems such as VxWorks, RT Linux, FreeRTOS or similar
- Solid knowledge of low-level software and hardware interaction
- Experience working within structured software development processes
- Python for scripting, tooling, test automation or diagnostics
- Familiarity with interfaces and protocols such as CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet or IP networking
- Comfortable with modern version control and collaborative development workflows
- Able to work pragmatically in a fast-moving engineering environment
Useful background
- Digital electronics knowledge
- Experience with ARM, SPARC, RISC-V or similar processor architectures
- Previous work in aerospace, defence, robotics, automotive, space, industrial systems or another safety or mission-critical domain
Embedded C Software Engineer for Space Exploration in Guildford employer: Standard 8 Careers
At Standard 8 Systems, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the heart of Guildford, where innovation meets excellence in space exploration. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and growth, providing employees with unique opportunities to develop cutting-edge embedded software for spacecraft in a fast-paced environment. With a commitment to high engineering standards and a focus on employee development, we ensure that our team members are equipped to thrive in their careers while contributing to mission-critical projects that truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Embedded C Software Engineer for Space Exploration in Guildford
✨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 Standard 8 Careers for a Embedded C Software Engineer for Space Exploration. 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 Embedded C Software Engineer for Space Exploration in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Standard 8 Careers, 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 Standard 8 Careers, 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 Standard 8 Careers
✨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 Standard 8 Careers.
✨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 Standard 8 Careers. 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 Standard 8 Careers love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
