Ground Software Engineer (M/F)

Exotrail SA; Massy, Toulouse; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Transport reimbursement

Remote work up to 2 days/week

Parental leave

Job summary

Exotrail is seeking a Ground Software Engineer to design, develop, validate and integrate software supporting satellite ground segments and operations. You will contribute to Flight Dynamics Systems and GNC applications, across the full lifecycle from development to in-orbit operations.

The role requires degree in software/CS or aerospace, strong C/C++ and Python skills, RTOS exposure, and experience in high-reliability environments. Exotrail offers hybrid work and international collaboration.

Qualifications

• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in aerospace or high-reliability industries is preferred.
• Strong interest in satellite operations and mission-critical systems.
• Experience across full development lifecycle and V&V activities.
• Familiarity with software verification, validation, and integration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain ground software applications supporting LEO, GEO, rendezvous, and in-orbit servicing missions.
• Develop solutions for satellite monitoring and control, including Flight Dynamics Systems (FDS) and GNC-related applications.
• Implement reliable, scalable, and maintainable software architectures.
• Ensure compliance with project requirements and applicable space industry standards.
• Contribute to definition and refinement of software requirements with engineers.
• Maintain bidirectional traceability between requirements, implementation and validation activities.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Python programming

Flight dynamics / GNC knowledge

RTOS environments

Software architecture principles

DO-178C, ECSS, IEEE, MISRA

Agile methodologies

Autonomy and collaboration

Education

Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

Tools

Python for automation

Job description

About Exotrail

Space is becoming more strategic and competitive than ever. Tomorrow’s space leaders will not simply launch satellites into orbit, they will be able to move them, reposition them, extend their lifetime, and maximize their performance in space.

Since 2017, Exotrail has been developing and operating cutting-edge in-space mobility solutions for commercial, institutional, and defense customers. From our high-performance propulsion system spaceware™ to our orbital transfer vehicle spacevan™, we enable satellites to go farther, stay operational longer, and achieve more.

Today, more than 200 Exotrailers across Massy and Toulouse are working together to make space operations more efficient and sustainable.

Backed by over €75 million in funding, we are pursuing a clear mission:

Making space a sustainable frontier for future generations.

Job Description

As part of our In-Orbit Services (IoS) division, we are looking for a Ground Software Engineer to design, develop, validate, and integrate software solutions supporting satellite ground segments and operations.

You will contribute to the development and improvement of Flight Dynamics Systems (FDS), Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) applications, and test tools used throughout the entire satellite lifecycle, from development and validation to in-orbit operations.

Software Design & Development

• Design, develop, test, and maintain ground software applications supporting LEO, GEO, rendezvous, and in-orbit servicing missions.

• Develop solutions for satellite monitoring and control, including Flight Dynamics Systems (FDS) and GNC-related applications.

• Implement reliable, scalable, and maintainable software architectures.

• Ensure compliance with project requirements and applicable space industry standards.

Requirements Management & Traceability

• Contribute to the definition and refinement of software requirements alongside system architects and engineers.

• Ensure bidirectional traceability between requirements, implementation, and validation activities.

• Maintain consistency between software deliverables and system needs.

• Support configuration management and software quality processes.

Verification, Validation & Qualification

• Design and execute automated testing campaigns.

• Support software qualification and acceptance activities.

• Integrate and validate software solutions within SWIL and HIL environments.

• Investigate issues, analyze root causes, and implement corrective actions.

Software Architecture & Performance

• Optimize software performance, reliability, and maintainability.

• Design modular and reusable software components.

• Apply software engineering best practices and the KISS principle to reduce complexity.

• Document architecture decisions and ensure long-term maintainability of developed solutions.

Collaboration & Engineering Excellence

• Work closely with System, Avionics, AIT, and GNC teams.

• Participate in technical reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR.

• Produce and maintain software specifications, test reports, user manuals, and developer documentation.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and engineering best practices.

About You

Required Experience

• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience in software development, preferably within aerospace, space, robotics, defense, or other high-reliability industries.

• Strong interest in satellite operations, flight dynamics, guidance, navigation and control, or mission-critical systems.

• Experience working on complex software systems throughout the full development lifecycle.

• Familiarity with software verification, validation, and integration activities.

• Experience in the space industry is a strong plus.

Technical Skills

• Strong programming skills in C/C++.

• Experience with Python for automation, testing, and engineering tools.

• Knowledge of software architecture principles and modular software design.

• Familiarity with RTOS environments, low-level software, and drivers.

• Understanding of software development standards such as DO-178C, ECSS, IEEE, or MISRA.

• Experience with software development and debugging tools.

• Knowledge of software testing methodologies and automation frameworks.

• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and systems engineering principles.

• Ability to understand and analyze complex technical systems.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.

• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.

• Ability to work autonomously while collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

• Clear written and verbal communication.

• Curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning mindset.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced and multicultural environment.

• Professional proficiency in English.

Why Join Exotrail?

Joining Exotrail means contributing to ambitious missions that are redefining space logistics and satellite operations.

You will work on cutting-edge technologies supporting future space missions while collaborating with passionate experts in a fast-growing international company at the forefront of the New Space industry.

What We Offer

• Company health insurance with 70% covered by Exotrail

• 50% reimbursement of public transportation costs

• Up to 2 days of remote work per week, depending on the position

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave coverage with no seniority requirement

• Learning and development opportunities

• Well-being benefits including Moka Care, dedicated conferences, and our ExoCare Program for Moments That Matter

• 35 days of paid leave per year (Annual Leave & RTT)

Working Environment

• Offices located in the heart of Toulouse

• Modern industrial facilities in Massy

• Free coffee, tea, and fresh fruit available on site

• International and multicultural teams

• Dynamic and rapidly growing space company

Quality of Life at Work

• Team events and afterworks

• On-site osteopathy sessions on both sites

• Collaborative and supportive work culture

Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process is designed to be efficient while giving you the opportunity to meet the key stakeholders involved in the role:

1. HR Interview with our Talent Acquisition team to discuss your background, motivations, and career aspirations.

2. Hiring Manager Interview to explore your experience, skills, and fit with the team and projects.

3. Technical Interview with our experts to assess your technical expertise and problem-solving approach.

4. Final Interview to discuss the role, expectations, and answer any remaining questions.

We strive to provide feedback throughout the process and ensure a positive candidate experience.

We look forward to getting to know you and exploring how you can contribute to Exotrail's mission.