Spaceflight Software Engineer (Rust/C++, Embedded)

Open Cosmos Ltd.; Highweek; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Cosmos Ltd. is hiring for a space-grade software engineer in our Data Division. You will design, implement, validate, and maintain satellite flight software, with emphasis on Rust or C/C++ in Linux/RTOS environments.

Collaborate across Systems, Electronics, and Mission Operations to ensure reliable space hardware interfaces. You will participate in code reviews, testing campaigns, and CI/CD, driving ongoing improvements in architecture and reliability.

Qualifications

• Strong programming capability in Rust, or solid understanding in C or C++ with the motivation and ability to transition to Rust in a production environment.
• Proficiency in compiled and object-oriented programming paradigms, with emphasis on performance, reliability, and correctness.
• Ability to work in Linux development environments, including scripting and command-line tooling.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automation tools such as GitLab, Jenkins, Docker, and pytest.
• Ability to apply secure coding and fault-tolerant design principles to software development.
• Working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems including ADCS, EPS, communications, and payload systems.
• Awareness of ECSS standards and their practical implications for software development, documentation, and compliance.
• Understanding of RTOS concepts and their application in embedded and space software environments.
• Demonstrated familiarity with software verification and validation processes, including testing strategies and traceability requirements for mission-critical systems.
• Awareness of fault detection, isolation, and recovery principles, and how these inform robust software design in space applications.

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

Secure coding

RTOS concepts

Software verification & validation

Fault tolerance

Spacecraft subsystems knowledge

ECSS awareness

Tools

GitLab

Jenkins

Docker

pytest

Job description

Open Cosmos Ltd. is hiring for a space-grade software engineer in our Data Division. You will design, implement, validate, and maintain satellite flight software, with emphasis on Rust or C/C++ in Linux/RTOS environments.

Collaborate across Systems, Electronics, and Mission Operations to ensure reliable space hardware interfaces. You will participate in code reviews, testing campaigns, and CI/CD, driving ongoing improvements in architecture and reliability.