Flight Software Engineer

Open Cosmos Ltd; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company is looking for a software developer to contribute to mission-critical systems for their satellite fleet. The role involves designing and testing flight and ground software, implementing embedded code, and enhancing software tools in a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates should have skills in Rust or C++, and an understanding of spacecraft subsystems. This position allows for remote work from various locations.

Benefits

Cutting-edge technology

Diverse and supportive team

Mission-driven environment

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in Rust or C++, willing to learn Rust.
• Familiarity with Linux-based systems and embedded systems.
• Understanding spacecraft subsystems like ADCS or EPS.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test software for satellite subsystems.
• Implement embedded code for onboard computers and communication systems.
• Maintain software tools and testing frameworks.

Skills

Programming skills in Rust

C++ programming knowledge

Linux-based development

Understanding of spacecraft subsystems

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

Aim high, go beyond!

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 CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.

Working in the Flight Software Team

Working across the full mission lifecycle, the team designs, implements, and tests software for both onboard and ground systems, ensuring reliability, performance, and scalability across our growing satellite fleet. Collaborating closely with systems, electronics, and mission operations, the team brings together innovation and precision to make every Open Cosmos mission fly.

What You'll Be Doing

This role develops, implements and tests software both on land and in orbit. You’ll contribute to mission‑critical systems that underpin Open Cosmos’s growing satellite fleet — from flight logic to communications, automation and onboard resource management.

You will:

• Design, develop, and test flight and ground software for satellite subsystems, ensuring robustness, reliability, and maintainability.
• Implement embedded code in Rust, C, and C++ for onboard computers, payloads, and communication systems.
• Develop mission‑critical functionality, including telemetry handling, command execution, and fault detection/recovery.
• Maintain and enhance software tools and test frameworks used across the development and verification lifecycle.
• You’ll work closely with engineers across systems, electronics, and mission operations to deliver safe, efficient, and scalable software.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong programming skills in Rust (or a background in C++ and will to learn. C++, C#, others have portable skills to rust).
• Familiarity with Linux-based development and embedded systems.
• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems such as ADCS, EPS, and communications.
• Applied knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and version control.
• A problem‑solving mindset, creativity, and teamwork skills to match our mission pace.

For this role you can be based in any of our locations.

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location.

Please submit your application and CV in English.

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.