Flight Software Engineer (Validation & Verification)

Holt Executive; Wytham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading flight software team in the UK is seeking a Validation & Verification Engineer to ensure reliability and safety in satellite missions. You will validate flight software, design test cases, and collaborate across subsystems. The ideal candidate has expertise in real-time embedded software, programming in Python, and background in space software verification. This role offers competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities to work on pioneering space technology.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working hours

Private healthcare

Relocation support and visa sponsorship

Modern workspace

Regular team events

Qualifications

• Experience in designing and automating test cases for embedded software.
• Familiar with Git and modern software development workflows.
• Background in space software verification and validation.

Responsibilities

• Validate and verify flight software for satellite missions.
• Review technical specifications and requirements.
• Design and implement test cases and automation.

Skills

Real-time embedded software expertise

Proficient in Python programming

Experience with software validation facilities

Knowledge of ECSS standards

Understanding of communication protocols

Strong understanding of SDLC

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Validation & Verification Engineer to join a leading flight software team working on cutting‑edge space missions. This role offers the chance to contribute to next‑generation orbital debris removal and satellite servicing projects, a truly unique opportunity to make an impact on the future of space sustainability.

We're looking for someone with a strong background in real‑time embedded software who is ready to take the next step in their career and play a key role in ensuring flight software reliability, performance, and safety.

You'll be responsible for the verification and validation (V&V) of onboard flight software for satellite missions, defining solutions based on system requirements and collaborating across subsystems to ensure robust, high‑quality software delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the validation and verification of flight software for satellite onboard computers.
• Review technical specifications and requirements documents (SRS, ICD, SDD, etc.).
• Design, implement, and automate test cases and scripts.
• Develop and maintain test environments and simulators.
• Identify and implement test equipment solutions.
• Collaborate with subsystem teams to define software needs and interfaces.
• Contribute to technical reviews and knowledge sharing across projects.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience designing and automating test cases for real‑time embedded software.
• Strong programming ability in Python, including dependency and environment management.
• Experience in software validation facilities (numerical, hybrid, or hardware‑based).Familiarity with Git and modern software development workflows.
• Background in space software verification and validation (C/C++).
• Understanding of communication protocols (PUS, CCSDS, CAN, SpaceWire).
• Knowledge of ECSS standards, especially ECSS‑E‑ST‑40C.
• Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle.
• Proactive, self‑managing, and able to take ownership while working collaboratively.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with RTOS platforms (VxWorks or RTEMS).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and UML.
• Experience with Linux environments, shell scripting, and QT‑based applications.
• Knowledge of cFS framework, SPARC V8 or PowerPC architectures.Understanding of mission design lifecycles from concept to operations.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary
• Flexible working around core hours (optional 9/75 pattern)
• Hybrid working options
• 25–28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Private healthcare, life insurance, and long‑term sick pay
• Relocation support & visa sponsorship (where applicable)
• Modern, state‑of‑the‑art workspace
• Regular team and social events
• Opportunity to work with an international team on pioneering space technology

If you're an experienced Flight Software Engineer or Verification Specialist ready to contribute to mission‑critical space systems, we'd love to hear from you.