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
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Design, develop, and test embedded flight software for space missions
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Build and integrate low-level code for onboard computers and sensors
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Work closely with systems and hardware teams to align software with mission needs
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Write and maintain interface control documents and test plans
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Debug and validate code on hardware and in simulation
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Take part in mission simulations and flight software verification
✅ What You’ll Need
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Strong experience in C/C++ for embedded systems
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Familiarity with real-time operating systems (e.g. VxWorks, RTEMS)
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Comfortable working with hardware interfaces and device drivers
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Hands-on experience with software debugging and testing on target systems
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Solid understanding of embedded software engineering principles
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in software, computer science, or engineering
⭐ Nice to Have
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Experience with VxWorks, NASA cFS, or PowerPC
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Familiarity with CCSDS, CAN, SpaceWire, or other space comms protocols
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Knowledge of ECSS standards or MISRA guidelines
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Background in space systems, satellite control, or mission operations
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Exposure to Python, Linux tools, or embedded scripting
Why This Role?
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Your software will fly on satellites being launched into orbit
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You’ll work at the core of a mission, directly contributing to spacecraft control
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The work is deeply technical and hands-on, not just specs and docs
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The team is small, skilled, and mission-focused
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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