Software Engineer (Space applications) in London

About Unbound

At Unbound, we design and build the key technologies that enable the emerging In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) ecosystem - cameras, sensors, and processing units that let spacecraft inspect, repair, and extend the life of satellites already in space. We are a small and highly-experienced team solving some of the hardest problems in the space industry. Our aim is to enable great people to move fast: quick to hardware, quick to testing, quick to orbit!

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer who can lead the development of embedded and application-level software for our space-based payloads, from low-level firmware running on flight hardware through to ground-side tools and operational software.

What you’ll get to do:

• Work hands-on with hardware that goes to orbit,
• Make decisions that shape our products from day one,
• Work alongside a highly experienced, cross-disciplinary team,
• Build hardware, test it and learn in fast iterations,
• Enjoy a modern central London office with flexible hybrid working options.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead software architecture trade-offs to support a diverse range of different in-orbit servicing missions,
• Translate mission and payload requirements into software functional decompositions,
• Design and implement high-level control loops that orchestrate payload behaviour: mode machine, state transitions, algorithm development,
• Develop embedded firmware for microcontrollers and FPGA/SoC platforms,
• Implement image acquisition, processing, and on-board AI algorithms that run on resource-constrained flight hardware,
• Develop control software for motors, actuators, and sensor readout systems,
• Collaborate with electronics engineers on hardware-firmware integration,
• Select, evaluate, and monitor the suppliers providing software,
• Support flight operations, anomaly investigation, and in-orbit software updates when needed.

Our software stack spans a wide range of domains. You may not have experience in all of these, but you should be comfortable working across several of these. We work with specialist partners on elements of the flight software, and you’ll play a key role in directing and integrating that work.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in developing embedded or systems-level software, ideally (but not necessarily) in the space industry,
• Strong proficiency in C and/or C++, and python,
• Experience in one or more of: FPGA/SoC software development, real-time operating systems (RTOS), image processing, AI/ML deployment.
• Familiarity with spacecraft communication protocols (SpaceWire, CCSDS) or similar
• Familiarity with version control (Git), CI/CD, and software quality practices appropriate for safety-critical or high-reliability systems,
• Highly organised, independent, and proactive working style with the ability to manage competing priorities and drive initiatives forward without constant supervision,
• Excellent communication skills across all levels, capable of translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.

Don’t meet every requirement? Apply anyway. We’d rather talk to someone with the right curiosity and drive than pass on a great engineer. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you.

What Unbound Offers

• 25 days of annual holiday plus a dedicated office shutdown period between Christmas and New Year,
• Hybrid working model with a balanced expectation of 3 days in the office per week,
• Benefits such as medical, dental, and life insurance,
• Annual training budget that you personally control, allowing you to invest in professional development, certifications, or learning opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Application question(s):

• Are you willing to work from Unbound's London office at least 3 days a week?
• Do you require visa sponsorship to work in the UK?

Work Location: In person