Staff Software Engineer (FileTransfer Team)

Spire Global; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space-to-cloud analytics company is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to join their File Transfer team in Glasgow. You will develop software solutions for satellite systems and work closely with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates have over 8 years of experience in software development, proficiency in Python and Rust, and a strong background in DevOps. This role is integral to the successful operation of their satellite communications.

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in professional software development.
• Proficiency in Python, Rust, or equivalent high-level language.
• Extensive experience in DevOps or as a DevOps champion.

Responsibilities

• Develop services in Python/Rust for hardware integration layers.
• Implement communication interfaces for ground to space commanding.
• Collaborate with the Platform Engineering team for software-hardware integration.

Skills

Python

Rust

Linux-based development

DevOps

Inter-process communication protocols

Tools

Git

Docker

Terraform

Ansible

Job description

Staff Software Engineer (FileTransfer Team)

We are seeking an experienced Staff Software Engineer to join our File Transfer team which develops cross‑mission operational services to ensure file queuing and delivery between our satellites and ground stations. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing software for our satellite systems, contributing to the expansion and enhancement of our space‑based payload execution and data collection capabilities. Ideal candidates will embrace the commercialization of nanosatellite systems and adapt to low‑cost, fast‑paced systems design, development, and implementation methodologies that set Spire apart from our competition. In this fast‑paced environment, the design‑to‑launch cycle is measured in weeks and months, not years!

This role can be situated in Glasgow, UK, Munich, Germany or Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.

Responsibilities & Tasks

• Develop services in Python/Rust that interface with hardware integration layers using modern protocols
• Implement communication interfaces between higher‑level processes, including ground to space commanding
• Contribute to the design and implementation of fault‑tolerant systems to meet the demands of new customer missions
• Collaborate closely with the Platform Engineering team to ensure optimal software‑hardware integration
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for APIs and system architectures
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of our development processes and tools
• Perform ground‑based testing and in‑orbit verification of new software services
• Implement observability solutions for satellite‑side services
• Act as our Cloud Evangelist to bolster how we do things in AWS

Key Skills

• 8+ years’ experience in professional software development
• Proficiency in Python, Rust or equivalent high‑level language
• Knowledge of Linux‑based development
• Extensive experience in DevOps or as a DevOps champion in their team
• Experience with inter‑process communication protocols (e.g., gRPC)
• Ability to communicate effectively with embedded software engineers

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with safety‑critical software systems in any industry
• Knowledge of version control systems, particularly Git and GitHub
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines
• Experience with project management tools
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles systems
• Knowledge of telemetry and command systems
• Experience implementing Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) systems for high‑level or embedded applications

Tools and Technologies

• Rust, Python, Bash
• gRPC (inter‑process communications)
• Version control using Git
• Comfortable with Terraform, Ansible, Docker, ECS, ECR in AWS

About Spire

Spire Global is a space‑to‑cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi‑purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real‑time global coverage of every point on Earth.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Spire is global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.