Flight Software Engineer SAR Payload

Hub; Espoo; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Healthcare benefits

Annual benefit budget

Phone subscription

Office environment

Job summary

ICEYE in Espoo, Finland is seeking a mid to senior Flight Software Engineer to develop embedded Linux flight software for SAR spacecraft and contribute to system-level improvements. You will work across hardware and software domains to enhance reliability and performance of flight computers operating in orbit.

You will join a hybrid team (3 days in the office), collaborate with hardware, software, and spacecraft subsystems, and participate in a multi‑stage interview process including screenings,

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering embedded Linux software for flight systems.
• Strong C/C++ and Python programming skills.
• Experience with Buildroot and Yocto.
• Understanding of Unix-like systems and device management.
• Experience configuring CI/CD pipelines and build systems.
• Strong debugging across embedded and distributed systems.
• Fluent English communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded Linux flight software for ICEYE’s SAR spacecraft.
• Build efficient, reliable user space applications for flight computers.
• Troubleshoot complex multi‑component systems and implement scalable solutions.
• Manage software packages, hardware devices, init systems, file systems, IPC, networking, and monitoring in Unix‑like systems.
• Configure and maintain build systems, CI/CD pipelines, and development workflows.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and spacecraft subsystem teams across the organization.
• Contribute to system‑level architecture discussions and embedded platform improvements.
• Rotate ownership across components and support continuous improvements to engineering practices.

Skills

C/C++ & Python

Embedded Linux

Buildroot Yocto

Unix-like systems

CI/CD pipelines

Troubleshooting

English communication

Technical problem solving

Tools

Docker

Job description

Flight Software Engineer
• Location: Espoo, Finland

•Seniority level: mid to senior

•Headcount: 2
• Department: Engineering / Flight Software Payload
• Reports to: Engineering Manager, Flight Software
• Employment type: Permanent
• Workplace model: Hybrid (3 days in the office)
• Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required)

Why this role matters:

As a Flight Software Engineer, you’ll help build the embedded software systems powering ICEYE’s SAR satellites. Your work will directly contribute to the reliability, scalability, and performance of flight computers operating in orbit, enabling mission‑critical Earth Observation capabilities for customers around the world. Working close to both hardware and software, you’ll help shape the future of spaceborne SAR systems and support ICEYE’s mission to become the global source of truth in Earth Observation.

Who We Are

ICEYE delivers space‑based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to governments and allied nations. This includes sovereign and turnkey ISR missions leveraging ICEYE’s world‑leading synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, as well as access to data from the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation. These capabilities enable partners to detect and respond to critical changes anywhere on Earth with unprecedented speed and accuracy, day or night and in any weather, supported by ultra high‑resolution imagery and high‑frequency revisits.

As a trusted partner for defense, intelligence, security, and maritime domain awareness, ICEYE’s near real‑time data creates a tactical advantage for mission‑critical operations. Designed for dual use, the platform also serves civil protection and commercial users for natural‑catastrophe intelligence, insurance, maritime monitoring including oil‑spill detection, and finance, contributing to global security and community resilience.

ICEYE is headquartered in Finland and operates globally across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia‑Pacific. We have more than 900 employees, united by a shared vision: improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation.

Your day‑to‑day responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded Linux flight software for ICEYE’s SAR spacecraft
• Build efficient, reliable, and maintainable user space applications for flight computers
• Troubleshoot complex multi‑component systems and implement scalable solutions
• Manage software packages, hardware devices, init systems, file systems, IPC, networking, and monitoring in Unix‑like systems
• Configure and maintain build systems, CI/CD pipelines, and software development workflows
• Collaborate closely with hardware, software, and spacecraft subsystem teams across the organization
• Contribute to system‑level architecture discussions and embedded platform improvements
• Rotate ownership across components and support continuous improvements to engineering practices

What we’re looking for

Must haves:

• Strong C / C++ and Python programming skills
• Proven experience delivering commercially successful embedded Linux software
• Experience with Buildroot and Yocto
• Strong understanding of Unix‑like systems, including software package and hardware device management
• Experience configuring and managing build systems and CI/CD pipelines
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across embedded and distributed systems
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to balance deep technical problem solving with pragmatic decision making

Nice to haves:

• Expertise in Linux kernel space development
• Familiarity with Docker or similar containerisation tools
• Experience with message‑passing frameworks and distributed asynchronous systems
• Experience contributing to open‑source projects
• Ability to read and review electronic schematics
• Proficiency in additional programming languages
• Interest in and familiarity with LLM‑based engineering tools
• Systems thinking mindset and strong stakeholder communication skills

Application Process:

• TA Screening (30 mins online)
• Hiring Manager Screening (60 mins online)
• Task (take home 6 calendar days)
• Technical Interview (60 mins online)
• Director Interview (60 mins onsite/ online)

Working at ICEYE:

At ICEYE, you’ll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale‑up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win.

How We Work (Our Values)

• Make the impossible possible: We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way.

• Be curious: Go deep, ask questions, listen carefully, and think critically. Understand the why behind decisions.

• See the big picture: Stay close to what’s happening across the company so you can make better decisions. Consider how your work affects others.

• Drive effective teamwork: Create psychological safety, invite different perspectives, and build inclusive teams. There are no bad questions.

• Act as one team: We win together. We match tasks to the right owner and stay agile as priorities shift.

• Have fun: What we do matters and it should be enjoyable. Celebrate progress, take pride in results, and share the wins.

Benefits

Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing, at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Acquisition will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process. Our Global Employee Benefits Include:

• A job that matters in a dynamic Defence Technology and Earth Observation environment with a scale‑up approach
• An independent role with a supportive and diverse work environment
• Occupational healthcare, occupational, and accident insurance
• A yearly benefit budget to spend as you wish (i.e. on sport, transport, bike benefit, wellness, lunch, etc.)
• Phone subscription with iPhone of choice
• Relocation support (i.e. flight tickets, accommodation, relocation agency support)
• Time for self‑development, research, training, conferences, or certification schemes
• Inspiring and collaborating offices and silent workspaces enable you to focus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table.

We’re committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us and we will do our best to help.