Embedded Software Engineer

ClarityLoop Limited; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

AAC Clyde Space in Glasgow is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to advance software/firmware for our small satellites and subsystems. You will collaborate with a global team to meet safety, cost, quality and schedule requirements across varied projects.

The role involves improving the SDLC, enabling CI/CD, automated testing and robust releases, while contributing to IP and patent-ready work. Hybrid on-site work is available in the UK.

Qualifications

• Embedded software development experience in space or safety-critical domains.
• Proficient in C for resource-constrained, real-time embedded systems.
• Experience with RTOS such as FreeRTOS/Zephyr and embedded Linux kernel development.
• Strong knowledge of ARM Cortex-M/R/A and RISC-V architectures.
• Ability to read schematics and debug hardware/software interfaces with scopes/diagnostics.
• Familiar with CI/CD, automated testing and release management.
• Proficient with Linux command line and GNU tools (make, gcc).
• Experience diagnosing and debugging embedded software issues.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in English; familiar with GitFlow workflows and ESA standards.
• Scripting with Python and Bash; Agile/SCRUM familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Deliver software tasks meeting standards and compliance.
• Architect, design, and implement embedded software/firmware for new products.
• Improve SDLC for embedded systems, drive CI/CD and automated testing.
• Provide technical guidance and code reviews for engineers.
• Contribute IP disclosures and technical summaries for patents.
• Lead integration, verification, and validation of complex systems.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware/software integration issues and defects.
• Maintain documentation per industry and internal standards.
• Identify and mitigate major technical risks during development.
• Provide accurate estimates for work plans in company systems.

Skills

Embedded software

RTOS

C programming

ARM Cortex/M/R

Debugging hardware/software

Git

Tools

Git

CI/CD

GNU toolchain

Linux (kernel/driver)

Job description

AAC Clyde Space is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to contribute to the development of our small satellites and spacecraft subsystems, based in Glasgow (Scotland, UK).

In this role, you will require good insight into product development and to collaborate as part of a global team. You will be involved in delivering various projects within assigned safety, cost, quality standards and deadlines. Projects vary in complexity and sizes, the challenges range from drivers to encrypted communications.

This position offers the opportunity to develop your expertise in a fast-growing space technology company — helping to deliver subsystems and innovative satellite missions.

Please note that in future, you may be required to complete a Basic Disclosure check (https://www.mygov.scot/apply-for-level-1-disclosure). The role is based on site where we are open to hybrid working for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver work tasks and assignments in accordance with required standards and compliance requirements
• Accountable for the architecture, design, and implementation of embedded software and firmware for new products, ensuring compliance with specified requirements
• Own the improvement of the software development life cycle (SDLC) for embedded systems, driving initiatives in areas like continuous integration, automated testing, and release management.
• Responsible for providing technical guidance, mentorship, and/or code review for other engineers.
• Contribute to the generation of intellectual property (IP), including invention disclosures and technical summaries for potential patent filings.
• Lead the integration, verification, and validation activities for complex embedded systems, including defining test plans and ensuring high-quality, reliable, and robust product releases.
• Accountable for the diagnosis and resolution of the most challenging hardware/software integration issues, field defects, and performance bottlenecks, often involving deep-level debugging.
• Ensure comprehensive and accurate technical documentation (e.g., design specifications, test reports) is maintained, adhering to industry, regulatory, and internal quality standards.
• Identify, analyse, and deliver solutions to mitigate major technical risks and integration challenges during the product development lifecycle.
• Provide accurate information and estimates on agreed work plans through company systems and records for monitoring achievement of operational and/or financial plan

Skills required:

• Evident industry experience in Embedded software development in Space or other mission/safety critical domain
• Deep, demonstrable proficiency in C for resource-constrained, real-time embedded systems development.
• Extensive experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, and/or experience with embedded Linux kernel development and device drivers.
• Strong knowledge of microcontroller architectures (e.g., ARM Cortex-M/R/A, RISC-V) and low-level peripheral configuration (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, ADC).
• Proven ability to read schematics and data sheets and effectively debug hardware/software interfaces using tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and in-circuit debuggers/emulators.
• Proficient in using version control systems (Git) and familiar with modern software development practices, including CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
• Strong familiarity with Linux command line and GNU toolchain (make, gcc)
• Experience diagnosing and debugging software issues in embedded systems.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and interpersonal abilities for professional settings and standards.
• Demonstrates sound judgement and resilience in dynamic, time-constrained environments.
• Competent IT skills including Microsoft software.
• Proficient in English, both verbally and written.
• Working with other developers using modern version control methodologies such as GitFlow
• Knowledge of environmental testing and ESA standards
• Using Python and Bash for scripting and tooling
• Familiarity with Agile and SCRUM
• Experience with control systems, deploying and troubleshooting algorithms on hardware
• Previous experience working with small/medium sized companies
• Relevant space industry experience
• Previous experience of working with small/medium sized company

ABOUT AAC CLYDE SPACE

AAC Clyde Space provides small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space. Covering satellite components, mission services and space-based data delivery, the company offers end-to-end solutions that turn space-based intelligence into real-world impact. Applications include weather monitoring, maritime safety, security and defence, agriculture and forestry.

AAC Clyde Space is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, with operations also in the UK, Netherlands, South Africa and the USA. The company’s shares are traded on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm (Ticker: AAC) and on the US OTCQX Market (OTCQX: ACCMF).