Embedded Software Engineer

FSO Instruments; Netherlands; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-based salary

31 days off and 8% vacation allowance

Work from home (max 2 days/week)

Pension plan

Opportunities for training and courses

Job summary

FSO Instruments in the Netherlands is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our space optics team. You will develop modular, robust firmware for spaceborne subsystems, with emphasis on deterministic behavior and fault tolerance across mission phases from launch to end‑of‑life.

Bring your C/C++ expertise, RTOS knowledge, and hardware/software co‑design skills to drive real‑time control, hardware bring‑up, and reliable communications in a cutting-edge laser satellite system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of embedded software experience, preferably in space tech or high-tech.
• Strong knowledge of embedded software, RTOS, and low‑level programming.

Responsibilities

• Firmware development in C/C++ for microcontrollers, FPGAs’ soft cores, or SoCs.
• Develop deterministic real‑time control loops for actuators and gimbals.
• Hardware integration including bring‑up and debug of interfaces.
• Develop drivers for lasers, detectors, ADC/DAC chains, sensors.
• Implement and test inter‑module communication protocols.
• Create telemetry, logging, fault detection and recovery mechanisms.
• Write unit tests, HIL tests, and support environmental testing.
• Contribute to design docs, ICDs, and participate in design reviews.

Skills

Embedded Software

C/C++

RTOS

Microcontrollers

FPGAs/SoCs

Hardware/Software Co-design

English proficiency

Dutch language (nice to have)

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Job description

Are you a talented Embedded Software Engineer with a passion for space systems and laser communication technology? Do you want to make a meaningful impact on the future of space communication while working on groundbreaking projects?

About FSO Instruments

FSO Instruments is at the forefront of developing advanced laser satellite communication technology. Together with our partners and shareholders we are committed to strengthening the Dutch space industry and pushing the boundaries of communication systems to enable faster, more reliable and secure connections between satellites, airplanes, drones and ground stations. By pushing the boundaries of what is achievable, we are shaping the future of space communication, both locally and globally.

What are you going to do?

The software suite under development must seamlessly support a diverse range of optical communication products currently being engineered at FSO Instruments, demanding a highly modular and scalable architecture. Because these systems operate in the harsh and unforgiving environment of space, robustness and resilience are essential design drivers. This places strong emphasis on deterministic behavior, fault tolerance and reliable performance across all mission phases — from launch to end‑of‑life.

Typical activities and responsibilities for embedded software engineers at FSO Instruments:

• Firmware Development — Implement and maintain embedded C/C++ firmware for microcontrollers, FPGAs’ soft cores, or SoCs that control optical communication subsystems (pointing, acquisition, tracking, modulation control).
• Real‑Time Control Systems — Develop deterministic control loops for actuators, gimbals and fine‑steering mirrors.
• Hardware Integration — Bring‑up of new boards, debugging interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, SpaceWire), and validating hardware revisions.
• Optical Payload Support — Implement drivers and control logic for lasers, detectors, ADC/DAC chains, and optical alignment sensors.
• Communication Protocols — Implement and test custom or standardized protocols for inter‑module communication and satellite bus interfaces.
• System Diagnostics — Develop telemetry, logging, fault detection, and recovery mechanisms for space‑grade reliability. Executing reliability analysis in close collaboration with other disciplines.
• Testing & Verification — Write unit tests, HIL tests, and participate in environmental testing (thermal‑vacuum, vibration, radiation considerations).
• Documentation & Reviews — Contribute to design documents, interface control documents (ICDs), and participate in design reviews.

What do you bring to the table?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience as Embedded Software Engineer or a similar role, preferably in the field of communication technology, space systems or high-tech (semicon).
• Strong knowledge of embedded software, real-time operating systems, and low-level programming.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C and C++.
• Familiarity with communication protocols and standards used in embedded systems, such as UART, SPI and I2C.
• Experience with microcontrollers, FPGA’s, System-on-Chips, and hardware/software co-design.
• Knowledge of laser communication principles and technologies would be advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
• A solution-oriented team player with good communications skills.
• You have good command of the English language in word and writing. Good command of the Dutch language is preferable but not mandatory.

What do we offer you?

At FSO Instruments we have a ‘flat’ organization where people can easily find and help each other. We value a comfortable and inclusive workplace. Furthermore, you can count on, among other things:

• A good, market-based salary;
• 31 days off and 8% vacation allowance;
• Possibility to work from home, maximum 2 days a week.
• A good pension plan at Zwitserleven;
• The opportunity to follow training and courses, or externally, so you can further develop your knowledge;