Space Systems Software Engineer (Rust/C++)

Open Cosmos; Harwell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Cosmos is seeking a software engineer to design, implement, validate and maintain satellite flight software, contributing to ground tools and data platforms that power our geospatial solutions.

You will develop for Linux and RTOS-based systems, engage in code reviews, CI/CD, and cross-functional testing with Systems and Mission Operations teams to ensure reliability and mission success across space programs.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Rust or strong C/C++ with willingness to transition to Rust.
• Knowledge of Linux development environments and scripting.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automation tools.
• Secure coding and fault-tolerant design principles.
• Understanding of RTOS concepts in embedded/space software.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards and spacecraft subsystems.
• Software verification and validation and traceability.

Responsibilities

• Designing, implementing, validating, and maintaining satellite flight software
• Supporting ground tools, ensuring software is robust, traceable, and fit for the reliability demands of space missions
• Developing features for Linux and RTOS-based systems in line with mission and system requirements
• Participating in code reviews, testing campaigns, and CI/CD processes to ensure high software quality standards are maintained consistently throughout the development lifecycle
• Maintaining configuration control, documentation, and full software traceability throughout the development lifecycle
• Collaborating closely with Systems, Electronics, and Mission Operations teams to integrate and test subsystems, contributing technical expertise that supports effective cross-functional alignment and problem resolution
• Contributing to post-launch operations and build and integration activities
• Driving continuous improvement in architecture, design, and engineering processes, identifying and implementing changes that enhance software reliability, maintainability, and delivery efficiency

Skills

Rust

C/C++

Linux development

CI/CD pipelines

Secure coding

Spacecraft subsystems

ECSS awareness

RTOS concepts

Software verification & validation

Fault detection & recovery

Tools

GitLab

Jenkins

Docker

pytest

Job description

Open Cosmos is seeking a software engineer to design, implement, validate and maintain satellite flight software, contributing to ground tools and data platforms that power our geospatial solutions.

You will develop for Linux and RTOS-based systems, engage in code reviews, CI/CD, and cross-functional testing with Systems and Mission Operations teams to ensure reliability and mission success across space programs.