Embedded Flight Software Engineer
Oxfordshire, UK | Hybrid (2 days onsite)
Industry: Space Systems, Flight Software, Onboard Control
A UK-based space company is looking for an Embedded Flight Software Engineer to join their team working on real-time software systems that fly on satellites. This is hands-on development for actual space missions - the software you write will control hardware in orbit.
You'll be part of a collaborative team responsible for building embedded software that runs on spacecraft onboard computers. Expect a mix of low-level C/C++, interfacing with hardware, real-time operating systems, and system-level testing.
This role sits in the Flight Software group and plays a key part in upcoming multi-satellite missions.
đ What You'll Do
* Design, develop, and test embedded flight software for space missions
* Build and integrate low-level code for onboard computers and sensors
* Work closely with systems and hardware teams to align software with mission needs
* Write and maintain interface control documents and test plans
* Debug and validate code on hardware and in simulation
* Take part in mission simulations and flight software verification
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What You'll Need
* Strong experience in C/C++ for embedded systems
* Familiarity with real-time operating systems (e.g. VxWorks, RTEMS)
* Comfortable working with hardware interfaces and device drivers
* Hands-on experience with software debugging and testing on target systems
* Solid understanding of embedded software engineering principles
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in software, computer science, or engineering
â Nice to Have
* Experience with VxWorks, NASA cFS, or PowerPC
* Familiarity with CCSDS, CAN, SpaceWire, or other space comms protocols
* Knowledge of ECSS standards or MISRA guidelines
* Background in space systems, satellite control, or mission operations
* Exposure to Python, Linux tools, or embedded scripting
Why This Role?
* Your software will fly on satellites being launched into orbit
* You'll work at the core of a mission, directly contributing to spacecraft control
* The work is deeply technical and hands-on, not just specs and docs
* The team is small, skilled, and mission-focused
* Hybrid setup with time in the lab and time to code without distractions
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.