Senior Spacecraft Software Engineer – GNSS & Mission Systems

CleanTech Talent; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 72,500 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High autonomy

Technical ownership

Career growth

Cross-functional engineering exposure

Job summary

A pioneering space technology organization in Glasgow is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Software Engineer to develop software for GNSS missions. The successful candidate will operate across system layers, ensuring reliable data delivery from space to users. This role requires strong programming skills in C++ and Python, along with the ability to navigate complex software challenges. With a hybrid working environment and high autonomy, this position is ideal for engineers seeking meaningful and impactful work.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in software engineering within aerospace or high-reliability environments.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python programming languages.
• Experience with embedded systems or performance-sensitive software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain scientific and command control software for GNSS satellite payloads.
• Support reliable and timely delivery of mission data from spacecraft.
• Collaborate to troubleshoot and resolve mission issues.

Skills

C++

Python

Embedded systems

DSP principles

Collaboration

Clear communication

Tools

FPGA development

AWS

Job description

Senior Spacecraft Software Engineer – GNSS & Mission Systems

Glasgow (Hybrid)

Salary: £72,500–£95,000

The Company

Join a pioneering space technology organisation developing next-generation satellite missions focused on GNSS-based science and data services.

Youll be part of a close-knit engineering team working at the intersection of spacecraft payloads, signal processing, scientific computing and cloud-based data delivery. Software, payload, RF and operations teams collaborate closely to ensure mission-critical data moves reliably from orbit to end users.

This is an opportunity to work on real spacecraft systems with tangible scientific and commercial impact.

The Role - Senior Spacecraft Software Engineer

Were looking for a technically strong, curious and self‑sufficient Senior Spacecraft Software Engineer to work across both flight and ground software for GNSS missions.

Youll operate across system layers from embedded and payload‑level software through to automation pipelines and cloud-based data infrastructure. The role blends signal processing awareness, systems thinking and practical software delivery.

This is high‑impact work where autonomy and sound engineering judgement really matter.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain scientific and command and control software for GNSS satellite payloads
• Build and operate ground‑based automation systems for data extraction, processing and delivery
• Support reliable and timely delivery of mission data from spacecraft to customer
• Collaborate with flight operations to troubleshoot and resolve mission issues
• Work closely with payload, systems and mission engineers to evolve software in line with scientific objectives
• Contribute to code reviews, testing and documentation to ensure traceability and robustness
• Support continuous improvement across performance, reliability and system understanding

About you

• 5+ years experience in software engineering within aerospace, scientific, communications or high‑reliability environments
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python
• Embedded systems or performance‑sensitive software
• Solid understanding of DSP principles, ideally in RF or GNSS contexts
• Developing scalable backend or cloud‑based data systems
• Ability to work independently and navigate complex technical challenges
• Collaborative mindset and clear communication style

Desirable Experience

• Experience with FPGA development (VHDL or HLS)
• Background in GNSS signal processing, GNSS‑RO, GNSS‑R or PNT algorithms
• Experience working on satellite payloads or spacecraft systems
• Familiarity with AWS or other cloud infrastructure platforms
• Experience building telemetry pipelines, monitoring or visualisation tools
• Contributions to open‑source scientific or aerospace software

Whats on Offer

• Salary: £72,500–£95,000 (DOE)
• Location: Glasgow, Scotland
• Hybrid working environment
• High autonomy and technical ownership
• Opportunity to work across flight, payload and ground systems
• Join a highly skilled communications systems team
• High‑impact, meaningful work
• Cross‑functional engineering exposure
• Career growth

Whats Next?

Please apply with your CV, or reach out directly to Daniel Salway at CleanTech Talent for a confidential discussion.

CleanTech Talent is acting as the exclusive hiring partner for this role.