Embedded Software Engineer

Holt Executive Ltd; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space engineering organisation is seeking an Embedded Flight Software Engineer to develop real-time embedded software for spacecraft. This role offers the chance to work on impactful projects with a flexible hybrid setup, generous leave, and private healthcare. The ideal candidate has experience in software development for embedded systems, particularly in a real-time environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private healthcare

Relocation assistance

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing software for real-time embedded systems.
• Experience developing and executing test plans and debugging both in simulation and on target.
• Strong understanding of real-time operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate real-time embedded flight software for satellite onboard computers.
• Collaborate with systems teams to identify software requirements.
• 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

Python

Job description

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.

Key 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.