Embedded Flight Software Engineer

constellr; Germany (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Virtual Share Option Plan (VSOP)

Flexible work setup

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Job summary

constellr is seeking an experienced software engineer to join our Mission & Space Segment team. The role involves designing and developing high-reliability onboard flight software for our satellite constellation. Candidates should have at least 4 years of experience in software development, with strong expertise in Python, C++, and embedded systems.

This position offers a hybrid work model and an opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology at the intersection of space, climate, and security.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in software development or software assurance, ideally in aerospace.
• Experience with embedded software development and familiarity with low-level hardware interfaces.
• Solid grounding in software engineering principles and lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-reliability onboard flight software.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define software requirements for satellite systems.
• Define and drive verification and validation strategies for flight software.

Skills

Software Development

Systems Engineering Principles

Embedded Software Development

Python

C++

Git

CI/CD Pipelines

Education

Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

Git

Software Testing Frameworks

Job description

Our Mission

At constellr, we're harnessing the power of space to solve one of Earth’s greatest challenges: climate resilience & security in a changing world. Our thermal satellite constellation delivers the most accurate land surface temperature data on the market, equipping commercial players, governments, defence agencies, and global institutions with the thermal intelligence they need to make strategic decisions— from national security and infrastructure to agriculture and climate resilience. As a fast‑scaling company with offices in Brussels, Freiburg, Munich, Washington and Toulouse, our multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and strategists is building the future of space‑based Earth observation.

Location: Remote or Hybrid - Germany

Team & Reporting Line: Mission and Space Segment - Reporting to Lead Satellite Systems

Your Role

You will join the constellr Mission & Space Segment team, playing a key role in shaping the onboard software that powers our satellite constellation across its full lifecycle — from early design through to in‑orbit operations.

This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role where you will help define how our satellites compute, behave, and evolve in space. Your work will directly influence the reliability, performance, and long‑term success of constellr’s mission.

You’ll collaborate closely across the business — working day‑to‑day with internal engineering teams, Product Assurance, Project Management, and Operations, as well as external suppliers. Together, you will help turn mission concepts into robust, flight‑ready software systems.

In addition to software development, you will contribute to system‑level design decisions, support procurement and supplier technical alignment, and help ensure our onboard software is continuously validated, improved, and ready for operation in orbit.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain high‑reliability onboard flight software in compliance with product assurance and safety standards.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional stakeholders to define, refine, and manage software requirements across all onboard satellite systems.
• Contribute to the definition and evolution of onboard software architecture, supporting both laboratory‑based validation environments and in‑orbit operational systems.
• Develop and implement robust Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) strategies to ensure resilience and autonomy of onboard systems.
• Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of new software features and upgrades, working closely with external suppliers and development partners.
• Champion strong configuration management practices across all onboard software components to ensure traceability, integrity, and control.
• Define and drive verification and validation strategies, ensuring comprehensive testing and high confidence in flight software performance.
• Participate in end‑to‑end verification and validation activities for onboard systems and flight software.
• Ensure all software—whether developed in‑house or delivered by suppliers—meets stringent technical, safety, and quality requirements.
• Support investigation and resolution of software anomalies and non‑conformance issues, contributing to continuous improvement and system reliability.
• Help define and enhance the in‑orbit software update process for satellites within the constellation fleet.
• Contribute to integration and testing activities using Flatsat environments and other ground‑based simulation and validation platforms.

About You

Essential Experience:

We’re looking for someone with strong engineering fundamentals and real‑world experience building software for complex, safety‑critical or aerospace systems.

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and full software development lifecycles in complex technical environments
• At least 4 years of experience in software development or software assurance, ideally in aerospace or other safety‑critical domains
• Experience with embedded software development, including familiarity with low‑level hardware interfaces (e.g., CAN, Camera Link, or similar)
• Exposure to FPGA‑based systems and familiarity with relevant ECSS standards (especially Q‑ST‑60‑02)
• Solid grounding in software engineering principles, development methodologies, and lifecycle management tools
• Experience with software testing frameworks, tools, and processes
• Strong practical experience using Git and working within CI/CD pipelines
• Proficiency in Python and C++

Nice to have

These skills would further strengthen your profile, but are not essential:

• Familiarity with ECSS standards and handbooks, including:
  • ECSS‑E‑ST‑40C
  • ECSS‑E‑HB‑40A
  • ECSS‑E‑ST‑20‑04C
  • ECSS‑Q‑ST‑80C
  • ECSS‑Q‑ST‑60‑03C
  • ECSS‑Q‑ST‑30‑02C
  • ECSS‑E‑ST‑70‑11C
  • ECSS‑E‑ST‑70‑41C
  • ECSS‑E‑HB‑40‑02A
• Experience with space communication protocols such as CCSDS and CSP
• Strong analytical and structured problem‑solving skills
• High attention to detail and a strong quality mindset
• Confidence in identifying inconsistencies and improving technical standards
• Clear communication skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams

Why Join constellr?

• Be part of an ambitious mission to launch the world’s first commercial thermal infrared constellation
• Play a defining role in scaling a company at the intersection of space, climate, and security
• Flexible work setup with remote and hybrid options
• Competitive compensation, including Virtual Share Option Plan (VSOP) for permanent employees
• Join a team committed to diversity, inclusion, scientific excellence, and real‑world impact