Embedded Systems Engineer

Darwin Recruitment; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer for a start-up space business in London. The role involves designing core flight software for autonomous operations, requiring strong skills in C++ and Python. Candidates should have a background in engineering or computer science, with experience in real-time systems and excellent collaboration skills. This is an exciting opportunity in the innovative space sector.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in C++ / Python.
• Experience in developing in modern C++ for Real-Time Operating Systems.
• Strong communicator and self-starter; able to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and take ownership of core flight software for advanced space payloads.
• Develop fault-tolerant software to support autonomous operations in orbit.
• Collaborate closely with hardware and AI teams for integration.

Skills

C++

Python

Debugging

Performance characterization

Communication protocols

Education

BEng/MEng in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Linux

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Darwin Recruitment are currently hiring for an Embedded Software Engineer on behalf of a start‑up space business in London that is specializing in autonomous robotics for orbital operations. The company is developing a platform‑agnostic robotic arm and associated autonomous manipulation/vision software as a service. Notably they emphasise that they’re not building the full spacecraft, but a system that can integrate with host spacecraft or tugs to enable servicing or defence functions in orbit. Their mission is to develop the first “Protect and Defend” capability for high‑value space assets in orbit. Their flagship product, is their hardware‑agnostic, AI‑enabled autonomy software suite that enables them to augment any off‑the‑shelf spacecraft with the ability to autonomously detect, characterise, and reversibly neutralise orbital threats. By building on the proven space heritage of their best‑in‑class satellite‑bus partners and fully integrating into a single unified platform, they deliver an end‑to‑end, autonomous in‑space bodyguarding service.

What You’ll Do

• Design and take ownership of core flight software for advanced space payloads and mission‑critical systems.
• Develop updatable, fault‑tolerant software to support complex autonomous operations in orbit.
• Prototype and validate key system concepts to de‑risk development and establish technical feasibility and performance bounds.
• Build toward a scalable, modular, and reusable software stack that enables rapid iteration and future mission extensibility.
• Collaborate closely with hardware and AI/ML teams to enable seamless integration.
• Drive continuous improvement through iterative testing, data‑driven feedback loops, and system‑level refinement.

Qualifications

• BEng/MEng in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ / Python.
• Experience in developing in modern C++ for Linux based Real‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
• Strong communicator and self‑starter; able to work independently and in a collaborative team.
• Demonstrated skills in debugging and performance characterisation.
• Experience with Linux, Git, and CI/CD pipelines.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Good understanding of communication protocols.
• Familiarity with containerization tools (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes) and OTA update provisioning.
• Experience with BSP generation, real‑time kernel configuration, build and deployment processes.
• Experience with NVIDIA SoC platforms or similar embedded Linux systems.
• Background with the space industry.
• Demonstrated strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven experience in system integration and working with multidisciplinary teams.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

James Godfrey