Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Avionics)

About the Role

An innovative space technology company is seeking a Senior Embedded Linux & BSP Software Engineer to play a key role in the development of next-generation avionics systems for satellite platforms.

This position will focus on bringing advanced avionics hardware into Linux environments, owning the Board Support Package (BSP), low-level software architecture, kernel customization, device trees, bootloaders, and hardware drivers. The successful candidate will be instrumental in creating the software infrastructure that enables reliable deployment, testing, and validation across flight computers, communications systems, and payload processing hardware.

Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will contribute to the development of space systems from early hardware bring-up through production and mission deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Linux bring-up activities for new avionics hardware, from initial power-on through delivery of stable flight-ready software.
• Develop and maintain Board Support Packages (BSPs), bootloaders, kernel configurations, device trees, and low-level drivers.
• Represent software and firmware considerations during cross-functional product development activities.
• Design and develop internal tools to support hardware validation, testing, debugging, and manufacturing workflows.
• Support integration activities across hardware, firmware, and software disciplines.
• Identify and communicate technical risks, schedule impacts, and system integration status to engineering teams and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 9+ years of experience developing embedded Linux systems, including Linux kernel and BSP development.
• 5+ years of professional experience programming in C.
• 5+ years of experience using version control systems such as Git.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance where required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with C++ and Python.
• Experience working with Xilinx Zynq or UltraScale+ SoC platforms.
• Familiarity with FPGA development environments and toolchains such as Vivado and PetaLinux (Yocto).
• Experience working with Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms, including AD9361 or RFSoC-based systems.
• Knowledge of embedded communication interfaces including SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, Ethernet, and SpaceWire.
• Experience with HDL simulation tools such as ModelSim, Questa, or Xilinx Simulator (XSIM).

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to work on advanced space and aerospace systems.
• High-impact engineering role with significant technical ownership.
• Cooperative and multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits.
• Long-term career growth within a rapidly evolving technology sector.

If you are passionate about embedded Linux, low-level software development, and complex hardware integration, this role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of sophisticated space systems and important technologies.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Sebastian Prins