Embedded Software Engineer

Space Forge Ltd; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Forge Ltd is seeking a mid to senior level embedded software engineer to design and build C/C++ software for innovative space applications. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, ensuring high-quality software delivery, and offers a competitive salary along with a range of benefits including hybrid working options and generous holiday allowances.

Benefits

Flexitime hours

Hybrid remote working

33 days holiday including bank holidays

Pension scheme at 4% matched

Up to 5 volunteering days a year

Free coffee

Lunch on pay day

Access to mental health support platform

Maternity/Paternity benefits beyond statutory

Qualifications

• Experience in embedded software design and development.
• Ability to understand electronics schematics.
• Experience across the full software development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Design and build software for ground and space applications.
• Review electronics schematics and write documentation.
• Mentor team members and conduct peer reviews.

Skills

C/C++

Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

Hardware communication protocols

Documentation

Agile methodologies

Python 3

Tools

Slack

Jira

Google Workspace

Job description

Space Forge is a fast growing advanced materials company. Our goal is to exploit the extreme temperature, microgravity and ultra-high vacuum conditions available in low earth orbit (LEO) to manufacture materials that cannot readily be grown terrestrially. Returning these materials to earth, we aim to revolutionise the semiconductor market and to make space work for humanity. To achieve this we have developed a range of technologies including the world’s first returnable and reusable satellite platform, the ForgeStar.

We are seeking a full time mid to senior level embedded software engineer to join our team. You will help design and build C/C++ software to enable our missions, whether it is in our ground station equipment or deployment on our satellites.

What will you do?

• Embedded software design for deployment in ground and space applications.
• Coding in embedded C and C++
• Documentation and testing
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as systems and electronics engineering to deliver great software design that meets the requirements of the mission.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Taking software requirements for a complete subsystem (e.g. motor driver or communication system), and design and build software to meet those requirements
• Reviewing electronics schematics, processor datasheets, peripheral datasheets, and peripheral interface (protocol) definition documents
• Writing documentation covering the architecture, design, APIs, protocols, and implementation.
• Build unit tests, integration tests, subsystem tests, and full-system tests. This will include writing system and subsystem test scripts. It will also include writing and executing manual testing plans.
• Mentoring members of the team, sharing your knowledge and experience.
• Peer review of design and code in line with Agile PR practices.

The range of skills we are looking for:

Technical skills:

• [Essential]Developing in C/C++ for embedded Real Time operating Systems (RTOS);
• [Essential] Experience with hardware level communication protocols (e.g. I2C, UART or RS-485/422);
• [Essential] Ability to understand electronics schematics and device datasheets.
• Knowledge of Agile and Waterfall working practices.
• Experience with UML.
• Use of Python 3 for test scripts and data analysis.

Soft skills:

• Experience with Slack, Jira and Google workspace as productivity tools.
• Demonstrable experience of working across the full software lifetime development cycle.
• Working knowledge of the space industry and European space standards.

If you have any of these skills please ensure they are obvious on your CV and you should highlight them in your application answers.

Why Space Forge?

We believe in a future where our most polluting industries are moved off the planet, built for sustainability, and returned back to Earth for the benefit of all. Space is the next step for our manufacturing needs.

At Space Forge, we believe in creating the best possible workplace that suits every single person that joins us.

• Flexitime hours - 40 to be worked across Monday-Sunday as fits both your needs and the needs of the role
• Hybrid remote working possible with high spec equipment offered
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Pension scheme at 4% matched
• Charity or cause you’re passionate about? Up to 5 volunteering days a year to support the things closest to you and make an impact
• Super cool office and factory - the coffee is on us (and it’s certified carbon neutral too, our snazzy machine does anything from the humble americano to a superb flat white)
• Pizza pay day - okay, it’s not always pizza, but if you’re at the office on pay day, lunch is on us
• Your mental health is important! You’ll have access to Spill - an all-in-one mental health support platform offering completely anonymous therapy sessions to our whole team

• Working with a passionate, friendly and highly motivated team
• Maternity / Paternity benefits beyond statutory

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and that starts with hiring diversely. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Space Forge.

If there are any adjustments that would help improve your experience with Space Forge, please do let us know when you apply.

Salary range for this role: £42,000 - £55,000 per annum, depending on knowledge, experience and skills.