Software Engineer – Glasgow

Clyde Space Limited; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company in Glasgow is seeking a Software Engineer to enhance their satellite systems. The role involves developing embedded software, leading integration activities, and ensuring compliance with rigorous standards. Candidates should have strong skills in C programming and experience with real-time operating systems. This position offers the chance to work within a dynamic team on innovative space missions.

Benefits

Openness to flexible working

Supportive work environment

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience in Embedded software development in critical domains.
• Deep proficiency in C for embedded systems development.
• Extensive knowledge of RTOS and embedded Linux.
• Strong understanding of microcontroller architecture.
• Ability to read schematics and debug interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement embedded software for new products.
• Improve software development life cycle for embedded systems.
• Lead integration, verification, and validation activities.
• Diagnose/resolute complex hardware/software integration issues.
• Ensure technical documentation adheres to quality standards.

Skills

Embedded software development

C programming

Real-Time Operating Systems

Microcontroller architectures

Debugging hardware/software interfaces

Version control systems (Git)

Linux command line

Python and Bash scripting

Agile and SCRUM

Tools

FreeRTOS

Embedded Linux

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Job description

AAC Clyde Space is seeking a Software Engineer to contribute to the development of our small satellites and spacecraft subsystems.

In this role, you will require good insight into product development and to collaborate as part of a global team. You will be involved in delivering various projects within assigned safety, cost, quality standards and deadlines. Projects vary in complexity and sizes, the challenges range from drivers to encrypted communications.

This position offers the opportunity to develop your expertise in a fast-growing space technology company — helping to deliver innovative satellite missions.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for the architecture, design, and implementation of embedded software and firmware for new products, ensuring compliance with specified requirements
• Own the improvement of the software development life cycle (SDLC) for embedded systems, driving initiatives in areas like continuous integration, automated testing, and release management.
• Lead the integration, verification, and validation activities for complex embedded systems, including defining test plans and ensuring high-quality, reliable, and robust product releases.
• Accountable for the diagnosis and resolution of the most challenging hardware/software integration issues, field defects, and performance bottlenecks, often involving deep-level debugging.
• Ensure comprehensive and accurate technical documentation (e.g., design specifications, test reports) is maintained, adhering to industry, regulatory, and internal quality standards.
• Identify, analyse, and deliver solutions to mitigate major technical risks and integration challenges during the product development lifecycle.

Skills required:

• Evident industry experience in Embedded software development in Space or other mission/safety critical domain
• Deep, demonstrable proficiency in C for resource-constrained, real-time embedded systems development.
• Extensive experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, and/or experience with embedded Linux kernel development and device drivers.
• Strong knowledge of microcontroller architectures (e.g., ARM Cortex‑M/R/A, RISC‑V) and low-level peripheral configuration (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, ADC).
• Proven ability to read schematics and data sheets and effectively debug hardware/software interfaces using tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and in‑circuit debuggers/emulators.
• Proficient in using version control systems (Git) and familiar with modern software development practices, including CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
• Strong familiarity with Linux command line and GNU toolchain (make, gcc)
• Experience diagnosing and debugging software issues in embedded systems.
• Collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams, fostering a shared sense of mission success.
• Take ownership of complex challenges and driving them to resolution with integrity and professionalism.
• Demonstrates sound judgement and resilience in dynamic, time‑constrained environments.
• Competent IT skills including Microsoft software
• Proficient in English, both verbally and written.
• Working with other developers using modern version control methodologies such as GitFlow
• Knowledge of environmental testing and ESA standards
• Using Python and Bash for scripting and tooling
• Familiarity with Agile and SCRUM
• Experience with control systems, deploying and troubleshooting algorithms on hardware
• Previous experience working with small/medium sized companies

ABOUT AAC CLYDE SPACE

AAC Clyde Space, a leading New Space company, specialises in small satellite technologies and services that enable businesses, governments, and educational organisations to access high-quality, timely data from space. This data has a vast range of applications, from weather forecasting to precision farming to environmental monitoring, and is essential to improving our quality of life on Earth.

Our growing capabilities bring together three divisions:

• Space missions – turnkey solutions that empower customers to streamline their space missions

AAC Clyde Space aims to become a world leader in commercial small satellites and services from space, applying advances in its technology to tackle global challenges and improve our life on Earth.

AAC Clyde Space Group consists of the parent company AAC Clyde Space AB (publ) and subsidiaries in Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, South Africa and the USA. Our main operations are in these five countries, with partner networks in Japan and South Korea.

AAC Clyde Space’s share is traded on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market.

Data Protection Policy

As part of our recruitment process, we collect and process personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use this data, please click here to see our job applicant privacy notice.

Right to Work

AAC Clyde Space has a legal responsibility to ensure that all its employees have the legal right to live and work in the EU or the country in which they plan to work. Therefore, if you are made an offer of employment, this will be subject to AAC Clyde Space verifying that you are eligible to work in that country before you start work.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We aim to create a positive recruitment and selection experience across every part of our business. The company is committed to handling applications to a consistently high standard and all candidates with dignity and respect. Those involved in the recruitment and selection process will act with integrity, objectivity and professionalism. We are committed to equal opportunities for all and to have diversity reflected within our global workforce. We believe its diversity and inclusion will allow for greater creativity and innovation to help AAC Clyde Space Group deliver the vision to help improve life on earth.

Openness to Flexible Working

We recognise work‑life balance is important so we are open to discussions around flexible working, depending on the nature of the role and business needs. If you would like to know more, please ask the Hiring Manager during any recruitment process that you may be involved in.

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