Senior Firmware Engineer

Spire Global, Inc.; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Spire Global, Inc. is looking for an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join their Platform team in Glasgow, Scotland. The role involves designing and maintaining embedded firmware for satellite systems, collaborating with various engineering functions, and debugging embedded system issues. Ideal candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, possess mastery of Embedded C, and be proficient in Python and Bash. The position operates under a hybrid work model with at least three days per week in the office.

Qualifications

• Experience with embedded C programming and real-time operating systems.
• Proficiency in scripting languages like Python and Bash.
• Strong debugging skills in embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain embedded firmware.
• Collaborate with engineering functions on system design.
• Debug complex embedded systems issues.

Skills

Embedded C programming

Python

Bash

Real-time operating systems (RTOS)

Problem-solving

Version control systems (e.g., Git)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

FreeRTOS

GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain

GDB

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our Platform team (folks looking after the spacecraft). The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting other disciplines by focusing on the embedded software aspects of our satellite systems. The Platform team interfaces directly with many engineering groups to conduct R&D, design, manufacturing, and operations activities, ultimately ensuring all current and future spacecraft systems satisfy their mission.

Ideal candidates will embrace the commercialization of nanosatellite systems and adapt to low‑cost, fast‑paced systems design, development, and implementation methodologies that set Spire apart from our competition. In this fast‑paced environment, the design to launch cycle is measured in weeks and months, not years!

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and test, deploy and maintain embedded firmware
• Collaborate with other engineering functions on scoping, architecture and system design
• Resolve on‑orbit and on‑ground issues related to embedded systems
• Implement, optimize and maintain various serial protocols
• Design and develop interface tools to improve abstraction between the embedded system and other satellite components
• Debug and resolve complex embedded systems issues in a timely manner
• Write and maintain technical documentation

Key Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Mastery of Embedded C programming language
• Proficiency with scripting languages like Python and Bash
• Extensive experience with real‑time operating systems (RTOS), specifically FreeRTOS
• Familiarity with serial protocols and implementations
• Strong problem‑solving skills, particularly in debugging embedded systems
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git)
• A base level of mathematical knowledge (engineering mathematics or similar)
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

Preferred Skills

• Experience with space systems or satellite technology
• Familiarity working to coding standards and using static analysis tools
• Experience writing Rust for resource‑constrained environments (embedded Linux)
• Experience with embedded Linux
• Knowledge of control systems and algorithms

Tools and Technologies

• FreeRTOS for real‑time operating system implementation
• GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain for code compilation
• GDB for debugging, complemented by extensive use of serial and/or CAN debugging
• Experience with debugging techniques for systems without JTAG access, particularly for remote issue resolution
• Familiarity with manual testing procedures for embedded interface code
• Experience working with Arm Cortex microcontrollers
• Version control using Git

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to U.S. export‑controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Spire is global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.