Embedded Flight Software Engineer

Darwin Recruitment; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based space company is looking for an Embedded Flight Software Engineer to develop software for satellites. This role involves hands-on development of embedded systems using C/C++, engaging with real-time operating systems, and contributing to multi-satellite missions. The position offers a hybrid working model, allowing flexibility between lab work and focused development time.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Opportunity to work on space missions

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Strong experience in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (e.g. VxWorks, RTEMS).
• Comfortable working with hardware interfaces and device drivers.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test embedded flight software for space missions.
• Build and integrate low-level code for onboard computers and sensors.
• Work closely with systems and hardware teams to align software with mission needs.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded systems

Real-time operating systems

Software debugging

Hardware interfaces

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in software, computer science, or engineering

Tools

VxWorks

NASA cFS

PowerPC

Job description

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

• Design, develop, and test embedded flight software for space missions
• Build and integrate low‑level code for onboard computers and sensors
• Work closely with systems and hardware teams to align software with mission needs
• Write and maintain interface control documents and test plans
• Debug and validate code on hardware and in simulation
• Take part in mission simulations and flight software verification

✅ What You’ll Need

• Strong experience in C/C++ for embedded systems
• Familiarity with real‑time operating systems (e.g. VxWorks, RTEMS)
• Comfortable working with hardware interfaces and device drivers
• Hands‑on experience with software debugging and testing on target systems
• Solid understanding of embedded software engineering principles
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in software, computer science, or engineering

⭐ Nice to Have

• Experience with VxWorks, NASA cFS, or PowerPC
• Familiarity with CCSDS, CAN, SpaceWire, or other space comms protocols
• Knowledge of ECSS standards or MISRA guidelines
• Background in space systems, satellite control, or mission operations
• Exposure to Python, Linux tools, or embedded scripting

Why This Role?

• Your software will fly on satellites being launched into orbit
• You’ll work at the core of a mission, directly contributing to spacecraft control
• The work is deeply technical and hands‑on, not just specs and docs
• The team is small, skilled, and mission‑focused
• Hybrid setup with time in the lab and time to code without distractions