Embedded System Engineer

Open Cosmos; Harwell; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Cosmos is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer to design and develop real-time embedded software and firmware powering critical hardware across ground and space systems. You will work on embedded C/C++ in RTOS environments, FPGA/Verilog solutions, and robust communication interfaces.

You will collaborate with systems, hardware, RF, and software teams to deliver integrated solutions while focusing on deterministic control loops, fault-tolerance, and high reliability in aerospace contexts.

Qualifications

• Embedded systems operating within real-time or constrained environments.
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ and RTOS-based development.
• Strong capability in FPGA/firmware development using VHDL/Verilog.
• Low-level communication interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN or Ethernet.
• Debugging and verification using JTAG, logic analyzers or HIL environments.
• High‑reliability and fault‑tolerant embedded system design principles.
• Collaborative work with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Awareness of aerospace/defence/highly demanding environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software and firmware for real-time control and telemetry systems.
• Design FPGA/firmware solutions using VHDL/Verilog for high-speed hardware control.
• Build and optimise embedded C/C++ applications within RTOS environments.
• Implement deterministic control loops and low-level hardware interfaces.
• Develop robust communication protocols across digital and RF subsystems.
• Design fault-tolerant and resilient system architectures for high-reliability environments.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, integration, debugging, and verification activities.
• Optimise performance, power consumption, and memory usage in constrained embedded systems.
• Contribute to secure remote management and monitoring capabilities for deployed systems.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, RF, and software teams to deliver integrated solutions.

Skills

Embedded systems

RTOS development

C/C++

FPGA/HDL

Low-level interfaces

Debugging with JTAG

System integration

Cross-functional collaboration

High-reliability design

Tools

JTAG

Logic analyzers

HIL environments

Job description

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

The Satcom team is responsible for the design, delivery and performance of Open Cosmos’ satellite communications services, spanning the space segment, ground infrastructure and global connectivity.

The team are currently looking for an Embedded Systems Engineer, who’ll design and develop the real‑time embedded software and firmware that powers critical hardware across both ground and space systems.

What will you be doing?

Key elements of the role will include:

• Develop embedded software and firmware for real‑time control and telemetry systems
• Design FPGA and firmware solutions using VHDL/Verilog for high‑speed hardware control
• Build and optimise embedded C/C++ applications within RTOS environments
• Implement deterministic control loops and low‑level hardware interfaces
• Develop robust communication protocols across digital and RF subsystems
• Design fault‑tolerant and resilient system architectures for high‑reliability environments
• Support hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, integration, debugging, and verification activities
• Optimise performance, power consumption, and memory usage in constrained embedded systems
• Contribute to secure remote management and monitoring capabilities for deployed systems
• Work closely with systems, hardware, RF, and software teams to deliver integrated solutions

What You’ll bring

• Strong knowledge of embedded systems operating within real‑time or constrained environments
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ and RTOS‑based development
• Strong capability in FPGA and firmware development using VHDL, Verilog, or similar HDL technologies
• Solid understanding of low‑level communication interfaces such as SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, or Ethernet
• Capability in debugging and verification using tools such as JTAG, logic analysers, or HIL environments
• Strong understanding of fault‑tolerant and resilient embedded system design principles
• Knowledge of high‑speed interfaces and integration between FPGA, DSP, and RF systems
• A methodical approach to problem‑solving with strong attention to detail
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Awareness of high‑reliability engineering practices within aerospace, defence, or similarly demanding environments

This role will be based in any of our locations.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe
• A mission‑driven company making space accessible to help solve real‑world challenges
• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team

Equal opportunity employer

At Open Cosmos, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace built on respect, dignity, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively challenge bias to ensure every candidate and employee feels truly welcome. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.