Embedded Flight Software Engineer

Holt Executive; Wytham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space engineering organisation is seeking an Embedded Flight Software Engineer in Wytham. The role involves designing and validating flight software for spacecraft, requiring strong experience in real-time embedded systems and C/C++. Key benefits include flexible hybrid working, private healthcare, and relocation support.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing software for real-time embedded systems.
• Experience developing and executing test plans.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work proactively.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate real-time embedded flight software.
• Define software architecture and verification plans.
• Perform integration, verification, and validation activities.

Skills

C/C++

Real-time operating systems

Git version control

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or relevant discipline

Tools

VxWorks

Linux

Job description

Overview

A leading space engineering organisation is seeking an Embedded Flight Software Engineer to join its growing flight software team, developing real-time embedded software for next-generation orbital missions. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer to work on technically challenging and high-impact projects, developing onboard flight software for spacecraft and contributing to missions designed to enable safe and sustainable space operations.

You'll take ownership of key aspects of flight software design, definition, integration, and validation, working closely with multi-disciplinary teams across spacecraft systems, GNC, and avionics. For this role we can consider visa sponsorship and relocation support.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate real-time embedded flight software for satellite onboard computers.
• Define software architecture, ICDs, and development and verification plans.
• Collaborate with systems and subsystem teams to identify software requirements and deliver solutions.
• Perform integration, verification, and validation activities on target and in simulation.
• Support mission testing and simulation campaigns.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across projects and global teams.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a relevant engineering discipline.
• Proven experience developing software for real-time embedded systems (C/C++).
• Strong understanding of real-time operating systems (e.g. VxWorks, RTEMS).
• Experience implementing equipment drivers and ICDs.
• Proficient with Git version control and modern software development workflows.
• Experience developing and executing test plans and debugging software both in simulation and on target.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work proactively with minimal supervision.

Desirable Skills

• Experience developing software for space systems or other high-reliability environments.
• Experience with VxWorks and familiarity with PowerPC architecture.
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as CCSDS, CAN, and SpaceWire.
• Understanding of software standards such as MISRA and familiarity with ECSS standards.
• Experience with NASA cFS framework.
• Proficiency with Linux, shell scripting, build systems, and Python.
• Experience across the full mission lifecycle from concept to operations.

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to work with a highly skilled and diverse international team.
• Flexible working around core hours with a hybrid setup.
• Optional compressed working pattern (9/75).
• 25 days annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays.
• Private healthcare, life insurance, and long-term sick pay.
• Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship (where applicable).
• State-of-the-art office and cleanroom facilities.
• Supportive, collaborative environment with regular social and professional development events.

If you’re passionate about developing software that powers real-world space missions and want to contribute to the future of sustainable space operations, we’d love to hear from you.

RW