Senior Firmware Engineer

Spire; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading analytics company in space is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer in Glasgow. The successful candidate will design and maintain embedded firmware for satellite systems while collaborating with various engineering teams. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and expertise in Embedded C, RTOS, and debugging embedded systems. This role operates in a hybrid work model, requiring office attendance at least three days a week.

Benefits

Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)

Launch Attendance

Generous Time Off Policy

Education Assistance Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Family Leave

Fitness Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Healthy snacks & beverages

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.
• Mastery of Embedded C programming essential.
• Strong problem-solving skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and test embedded firmware.
• Collaborate with engineering functions on design.
• Debug and resolve embedded systems issues.

Skills

Embedded C programming

Python

Bash

Real-time operating systems (RTOS)

Debugging skills

Version control systems (Git)

Linux development

Mathematical knowledge

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain

GDB

FreeRTOS

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!

What You’ll Do as a Senior Firmware Engineer

• 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)
• Experience developing on Linux (Ubuntu)
• 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 US 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. LI-MI

Global Perks

• Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)
• Launch Attendance
• Generous Time Off Policy
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• Family Leave
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

About Spire

We improve life on Earth with data from space.

Spire Global is a space-to-cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real-time global coverage of every point on Earth.

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.

Please take a moment to review Spire's Global Data Privacy Notice for Employees, Contractors, Candidates and Visitors, as well as Spire's Privacy Policy.

Kindly be advised that communication regarding your application may come from @spire.com, @recruiting.spire.com, or from Candidate.fyi (our scheduling tool).