Onboard Spacecraft Software Engineer (Rust/C++)

Open Cosmos Ltd.; Harwell; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Cosmos Ltd. is seeking a software engineer to design, implement and maintain satellite flight software in Linux/RTOS environments. The role focuses on robust, traceable code, with integration across Systems, Electronics, and Mission Operations to support mission success.

You will contribute to post-launch operations and drive architectural improvements. Candidates should be proficient in Rust or C/C++, comfortable in Linux environments, and familiar with CI/CD and testing frameworks.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Rust, or strong C/C++ with the ability to transition to Rust in production environments.
• Experience developing on Linux and RTOS-based embedded systems.
• Strong understanding of CI/CD and automated testing practices.
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and ECSS standards where applicable.
• Collaborative mindset working across Systems, Electronics and Mission Operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Designing, implementing, validating, and maintaining satellite flight software
• Supporting ground tools, ensuring software is robust, traceable, and fit for the reliability demands of space missions
• Developing features for Linux and RTOS-based systems in line with mission and system requirements
• Participating in code reviews, testing campaigns, and CI/CD processes to ensure high software quality standards are maintained consistently throughout the development lifecycle
• Maintaining configuration control, documentation, and full software traceability throughout the development lifecycle
• Collaborating closely with Systems, Electronics, and Mission Operations teams to integrate and test subsystems, contributing technical expertise that supports effective cross-functional alignment and problem resolution
• Contributing to post-launch operations and build and integration activities
• Driving continuous improvement in architecture, design, and engineering processes, identifying and implementing changes that enhance software reliability, maintainability, and delivery efficiency

Skills

Rust

C/C++

Linux

RTOS

Embedded systems

CI/CD

Tools

GitLab

Jenkins

Docker

pytest

Job description

Open Cosmos Ltd. is seeking a software engineer to design, implement and maintain satellite flight software in Linux/RTOS environments. The role focuses on robust, traceable code, with integration across Systems, Electronics, and Mission Operations to support mission success.

You will contribute to post-launch operations and drive architectural improvements. Candidates should be proficient in Rust or C/C++, comfortable in Linux environments, and familiar with CI/CD and testing frameworks.