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.

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

✅ 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

⭐ 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.

Adam Slade