Senior Flight Software Engineer

Open Cosmos Ltd; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work on cutting-edge space technology

Supportive team environment

Diverse, mission-driven culture

Job summary

A leading space technology company is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to lead the design and implementation of software for satellite missions. Responsibilities include defining software architectures, overseeing testing, and mentoring junior engineers. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in Rust and proficiency in C/C++. This role offers the chance to work at the forefront of space technology, with a collaborative and supportive team.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Rust, with experience in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Familiarity with space protocols such as CCSDS.
• Understanding of software assurance and fault detection/recovery.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of flight software for satellites.
• Define software interfaces and oversee integration testing.
• Mentor junior engineers and ensure coding best practices.
• Implement and review mission-critical features such as fault tolerance, safe modes, and autonomous recovery.
• Mentor junior engineers, ensuring best practices in coding standards, version control, CI/CD, and documentation.
• Drive design and code reviews, ensuring compliance with ECSS, DO-178C and Open Cosmos software assurance standards.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and operations teams to optimize performance and readiness.

Skills

Deep expertise in Rust

Proficiency in C/C++

Experience with embedded systems

Knowledge of CI/CD

Strong problem-solving skills

Tools

Git

CI/CD tooling

Job description

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges fro space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.

Working in the Flight Software Team

Working across the full mission lifecycle, the team designs, implements, and tests software for both onboard and ground systems, ensuring reliability, performance, and scalability across our growing satellite fleet. Collaborating closely with systems, electronics, and mission operations, the team brings together innovation and precision to make every Open Cosmos mission fly.

What You'll Be Doing

You’ll take ownership of software design from concept to flight. That means defining architectures, implementing and verifying embedded code, and leading reviews to ensure compliance with space standards.

You will:

• Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of flight software for new satellite platforms and missions.
• Define software interfaces, patterns, and frameworks for onboard and ground systems using Rust, C, and C++.
• Oversee system-level integration and testing of flight software across multiple missions.
• Implement and review mission-critical features such as fault tolerance, safe modes, and autonomous recovery.
• Mentor junior engineers, ensuring best practices in coding standards, version control, CI/CD, and documentation.
• Drive design and code reviews, ensuring compliance with ECSS, DO-178C, and Open Cosmos software assurance standards.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and operations teams to optimise performance and ensure mission readiness.

What You’ll Bring

• Deep expertise in Rust, with proficiency in C/C++ and embedded systems.
• Familiarity with space protocols (CCSDS, telemetry/telecommand).
• Strong grasp of software assurance, fault detection, and recovery design.
• Experience with CI/CD, testing automation, and configuration management.
• A structured yet creative approach, balancing precision with problem-solving.

For this role you can be based in Harwell in UK, Barcelona in Spain or Athens, Greece.

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location.

Please submit your application and CV in English.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
• A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.
• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.