Embedded Flight Software Engineer

Bali International Hospital; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Radical is seeking a skilled engineer to develop embedded firmware for high-altitude solar-powered aircraft. The role requires expertise in C/C++ and a background in aerospace technology.

As part of the team, you will work on integrating sensors and actuators, enhancing flight data capture, and maintaining Linux systems. Ideal candidates will possess hands-on experience with microcontrollers and a passion for advancing innovative technology.

Join Radical to push the boundaries of what's possible!

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in embedded firmware development.
• Experience with safety-and-reliability-critical systems.
• Hands-on skills with microcontrollers and low-level interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Develop bare-metal and FreeRTOS based firmware for aircraft.
• Integrate sensors and actuators with flight controller.
• Maintain embedded-Linux systems and onboard telemetry.

Skills

Embedded firmware development in C/C++

Experience with uncrewed aircraft

Aerospace systems knowledge

Hands-on integration skills

Embedded Linux programming

Proficiency in Python

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Docker

Logic Analyzer

Oscilloscope

JTAG

Job description

At Radical, we’re embarking on a mission to revolutionize how we connect and observe our planet. Our focus is on taking aerospace technology to new heights – literally. We are building high-altitude solar-powered aircraft designed to fly continuously in the stratosphere.

We are assembling a dynamic team of engineers and builders ready to propel our technology to the next level. If you’re passionate about advancing innovative technology and love challenging engineering projects, Radical is the startup for you. Join us and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Core responsibilities

• Write bare-metal and FreeRTOS based firmware in C/C++ for the wide range of boards across the aircraft, from the main flight computer to power, motor, sensing, and payload electronics.
• Integrate the flight controller with the aircraft’s sensors, actuators, power electronics, and sub-systems, and feed the outputs of our mission‑management and autonomy system into the flight controller.
• Develop and maintain the embedded‑Linux systems layer on the onboard companion computer, including drivers, board bring‑up, and OS-level services.
• Capture flight data on the vehicle at the firmware level and drive the onboard datalink that gets telemetry off the aircraft.
• Bring up new avionics hardware and debug it at the bench using a logic analyser, oscilloscope, and JTAG.
• Support flight-test campaigns hands‑on in the field, keeping onboard software running throughout operations.

Required skills

• A degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or equivalent practical experience, and 3+ years building embedded firmware in C/C++, including bare‑metal development.
• Prior experience with uncrewed aircraft and autopilot/flight‑controller software.
• Experience delivering firmware for aerospace, avionics, or other safety‑and‑reliability‑critical systems.
• Hands‑on integration of microcontrollers with sensors, actuators, and power electronics over low‑level interfaces (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART), including hardware bring‑up and bench debugging with a logic analyser, oscilloscope, and JTAG.
• Embedded Linux systems programming on single-board computers, and comfort with Docker and containerised services.
• Proficiency in Python for tooling and test automation.

Preferred (but not required) skills

• Familiarity with CAN FD and other deterministic vehicle networking.
• Experience with onboard telemetry and radio/datalink firmware.
• Experience with STM32 and FreeRTOS.
• Experience supporting field operations and flight or vehicle testing.

Radical is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, and we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community and promotes inclusion. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to fostering innovation, collaboration, and success, and we are dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.