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Satellite Software Engineer

NewOrbit Space

Reading

On-site

GBP 50,000 - 90,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Satellite Software Engineer to lead the development of cutting-edge flight software for air-breathing satellites. This role involves designing real-time systems using Rust and C++, pushing code through CI/CD pipelines, and ensuring the autonomous operation of satellites. Join a pioneering team that is redefining satellite technology and enjoy a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the space industry. With competitive salaries and equity options, this position offers a chance to be part of a groundbreaking mission to enhance global connectivity through advanced satellite systems.

Benefits

Private health insurance

Dental coverage

Optical coverage

Annual healthcare check-ups

Equity options

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

Experience in designing and implementing flight-software stacks.
Strong background in real-time systems and embedded programming.

Responsibilities

Architect and implement the flight-software stack for satellites.
Ensure autonomous operation and safety of satellite systems.

Skills

Rust

C++

RTOS

Embedded Linux

Python

CI/CD

ADCS control algorithms

Telemetry analysis

Version control

Static analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Git

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At NewOrbit Space, our mission it to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.

We are currently building satellites that can breathe air and operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our proprietary propulsion system we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra low altitudes using the air as propellant.

Please note that as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission, we are in a critical growth phase. Our roles will often require extended hours and are not typical 9-to-6 positions.

Your role

You’ll architect and implement the flight-software stack—from low-level drivers to ADCS control loops—and push code from bench tests to on-orbit updates. You’ll ensure each satellite runs autonomously and safely, turning in-orbit data into actionable ground insights so every subsystem meets its mission marks. You'll have a huge influence on the direction of the software and system development of our satellite.

Key Responsibilities

Own the on-board flight-software stack – design, code and test real-time Rust/C++ on RTOS or Embedded Linux.
Ship code from review to orbit – push through CI/CD, support launch, and deliver over-the-air updates during operations.
Implement and tune our ADCS control algorithms – write and validate attitude-determination & control loops that keep the spacecraft stable while in ULEO.
Build prototypes, simulations and analyse telemetry to prove out key design concepts and quantify system constraints.
Build autonomous FDIR logic – detect and recover from SEUs, sensor drop-outs and thermal excursions without ground intervention.
Design the command & telemetry pipeline – transform CCSDS frames in-orbit into MQTT topics and cloud dashboards on the ground.
Develop internal automation & data‑analysis tooling in Python for build, CI/CD, and anomaly triage.
Trade across disciplines – work with AOCS, propulsion, avionics and mission-design teams to balance compute, power, thermal and link budgets.
Experience building production embedded or real-time systems in C/C++ or Rust on RTOS or Embedded Linux.
Solid grasp of on-board computer architecture, BSPs, watchdogs and high-speed buses (CAN-FD, SpaceWire, SPI, LVDS).
Experience taking code through unit, integration & HIL tests and shipping via CI/CD (exposure to MISRA-C or ECSS a plus).
Strong software‑design fundamentals, including data structures, concurrency and debugging.
Master version‑control, static analysis, containerised build tooling and automated deployment.

Nice-to-haves

Are comfortable with model‑based design (MATLAB/Simulink) and automated verification.
Experience with spacecraft frameworks.
Orbit‑propagation or high‑fidelity atmospheric modelling experience.
Familiarity with rad‑hard electronics.

Why NewOrbit Space?

Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.
Unmatched Ownership and Impact –You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.
Comprehensive Benefits Package –Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.

Seniority level

Seniority level
Associate

Employment type

Employment type
Full-time

Job function

Job function
Research and Engineering
Industries
Software Development, Space Research and Technology, and Defense and Space Manufacturing

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