AI Embedded Software Engineer

Spire; Harwell, Glasgow; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space data company in the UK is seeking a skilled embedded systems engineer specializing in AI/ML. You will lead the development of innovative solutions for nanosatellites, combining AI capabilities with real-time decision-making under power constraints. The role requires advanced technical skills and offers a hybrid work environment with robust employee benefits.

Benefits

Generous Time Off Policy

Education Assistance Program

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Fitness Reimbursement

Healthy snacks & beverages

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in embedded systems development focusing on AI/ML applications.
• Strong background in AI/ML algorithm development tailored for embedded systems.
• Familiarity with edge AI tools and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of AI/ML algorithms for nanosatellite platforms.
• Design and implement embedded AI/ML inference engines.
• Conduct testing to qualify AI/ML software implementations.

Skills

Embedded C/C++ programming

Machine learning frameworks

AI/ML model optimization

Python for AI/ML

RTOS experience

Strong math foundation

Version control systems

Communication skills

Ability to work in fast-paced environments

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science or related field

Ph.D. in Machine Learning or related field

Tools

TensorFlow Lite

PyTorch Mobile

ONNX Runtime

FreeRTOS

Linux (Ubuntu)

Git

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development of AI / ML algorithms optimized for deployment on power-constrained nanosatellite platforms
• Design and implement embedded AI / ML inference engines for real-time on-orbit decision making
• Develop and optimize neural network models for edge computing applications in space environments
• Integrate AI / ML capabilities into existing satellite firmware and control systems
• Conduct processor-in-the-loop (PIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to qualify AI / ML software implementations
• Research and implement novel AI / ML techniques for autonomous satellite operations and data processing
• Collaborate with hardware teams to define AI / ML processing requirements for future nanosatellite designs
• Develop quantization and compression techniques to reduce model size and power consumption
• Resolve on-orbit and on-ground issues related to AI / ML embedded systems
• Support AI / ML system integration with other satellite components
• Write and maintain technical documentation and research publications
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the company's AI / ML knowledge base

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning, or related field
• 4+ years of experience in embedded systems development with focus on AI / ML applications
• Proficiency in Embedded C / C++ programming for resource‑constrained environments
• Strong background in machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch Mobile, ONNX Runtime)
• Experience with AI / ML model optimization techniques (quantization, pruning, knowledge distillation)
• Capability with Python for AI / ML development and scripting languages like Bash
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), specifically FreeRTOS
• Knowledge of edge AI accelerators and specialized AI hardware (NPUs, DSPs)
• Strong mathematical foundation in linear algebra, statistics, and optimization
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git)
• Experience developing on Linux (Ubuntu)
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced R&D environment with changing requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Computer Science, or related field
• Experience with space systems, satellite technology, or aerospace applications
• Knowledge of federated learning and distributed AI systems
• Experience with neuromorphic computing and spiking neural networks
• Familiarity with radiation‑hardened computing and space‑qualified hardware
• Experience writing Rust for resource‑constrained environments (embedded Linux)
• Experience with embedded Linux and containerized AI workloads
• Knowledge of sensor fusion, and autonomous systems
• Publication record in AI / ML conferences or journals
• Experience with FPGA‑based AI acceleration
• Familiarity working to coding standards and using static analysis tools

Tools and Technologies

• AI / ML Frameworks : TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch Mobile, ONNX Runtime, OpenVINO
• Edge AI Tools : TensorRT, Neural Network Compiler Stack (TVM), Glow
• FreeRTOS for real‑time operating system implementation
• GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain and specialized AI compiler toolchains
• GDB and AI‑specific debugging tools for embedded inference engines
• Experience with debugging techniques for AI systems without JTAG access
• Proficiency in processor‑in‑the‑loop (PIL) and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing methodologies
• Experience with AI model validation and verification techniques
• Experience working with Microcontrollers and AI‑optimized processors
• CUDA, ROCm or SYCL
• Version control using Git and ML experiment tracking tools (MLflow, Weights & Biases)
• AI development environments and Jupyter notebooks for prototyping

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export‑controlled software and / or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-MI

Global Perks

🛰️ Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)

🚀 Launch Attendance

🌴 Generous Time Off Policy

🎓 Education Assistance Program

🥰 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

📈 Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

👣 Family Leave

💪 Fitness Reimbursement

🧡 Employee Referral Program

🍉 Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

About Spire

Weimprove life on Earth with data from space.

Spire Global is a space‑to‑cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi‑purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24 / 7 operations that provide real‑time global coverage of every point on Earth.

Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.

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