Software Test Engineer (Embedded Systems - Satellite Technology)

MDA; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company in the UK is seeking a skilled Software Test Engineer to join their embedded software team. In this role, you will develop, execute, and automate tests, alongside writing applications in C/C++ and Python to ensure high-quality releases. The ideal candidate will have experience with embedded systems and a passion for advancing satellite technology.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health care

Pension plan

Employee assistance program

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field required.
• Experience testing embedded systems or low-level software preferred.
• Familiarity with Linux debugging tools needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated test suites for embedded Linux systems.
• Write test applications and tools in C/C++ and Python.
• Design test plans and regression suites.
• Analyse logs to identify defects.
• Integrate automated tests into CI pipelines.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Python programming

Testing embedded systems

Linux environments

CI/CD workflows

Log analysis

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

ABOUT MDA SPACE

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and Geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The global MDA Space team of more than 3,800 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one‑of‑a‑kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide‑eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there. For more information, visit www.mda.space.

Our Sat Connect IC business unit, a division of our Satellite Systems business is a leading provider of ASICs, software, multibeam electronically steered antennas, and complete systems for communication satellites, as well as ground and airborne terminals. Located in Israel, the UK, Bulgaria, and the US, we are a technology leader in satellite communication.

MDA Space is part of a world leading project of a cutting‑edge Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. As part of this collaboration, we are creating a state‑of‑the‑art landing station/feeder link product to connect the satellite network with the internet cloud.

Role:

We are seeking a skilled Software Test Engineer to join our embedded software team. The role focuses on developing, executing, and automating tests for our products. You’ll create test software in C/C++ and Python, validate system behavior, and ensure high‑quality releases across multiple components.

If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of satellite technology and global connectivity, this is your opportunity to shape the future of space communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop automated and manual test suites for embedded Linux systems
• Write test applications and tools in C/C++ (on‑device) and Python (host‑side)
• Design test plans, test cases, and regression suites
• Analyse logs, traces, and system output to identify defects and verify fixes
• Work closely with software and hardware teams embedded
• Integrate automated tests into CI pipelines
• Maintain clear test documentation and contribute to release quality assessments

Required Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
• Programming skills in C/C++ and/or Python
• Experience testing embedded systems or low‑level software
• Experience working in Linux environments and with Linux debugging tools
• Familiarity with CI/CD workflows and Git
• Ability to analyse system logs and troubleshoot issues at software and hardware boundaries

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the satellite wireless ecosystem
• Familiarity with gRPC/gNMI/gNOI or other management protocols
• Experience with traffic generation tools (iperf, scapy, packet capture)

We’re a dream team of purpose‑driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem‑solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA Space welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it. An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA Space’s leadership in this next golden age.

Comments/Special Considerations:

We are required to conduct a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening in which we will check your:

• Right to work: To confirm that you are entitled to take up the position as well as check your nationality and immigration status
• Identity: Full ID check
• Criminal records: Basic Disclosure
• Employment history check: Confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum) history/activity
• Reference checks

Benefits statement:

MDA Space provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan; and an employee assistance program.

Equal opportunity statement:

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

Accommodations

MDA Space is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application or cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.