Senior Flight Software Engineer

Open Cosmos; Harwell; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Cosmos seeks a Flight Software Lead to own software design from concept to flight across onboard and ground systems. You will define architectures, implement embedded code in Rust, C, and C++, and lead reviews to ensure compliance with space standards.

You will oversee system-level integration, mentor engineers, and drive CI/CD, testing automation, and documentation to ensure mission readiness for multiple satellite missions.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Rust

C/C++

Embedded systems

Space protocols

CI/CD

Testing automation

ECSS/DO-178C

Fault tolerance

Mentoring

Job description

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world's biggest challenges from 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.

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.