Embedded Flight Software Engineer

Hidden Jobs; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Virtual Share Option Plan

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Job summary

Hidden Jobs is seeking engineers to contribute to the onboard flight software for a commercial thermal-infrared Earth-observation satellite constellation. You will design, develop, and validate high-reliability embedded software from concept through in-orbit operations, collaborating with systems engineering, product assurance, and external suppliers.

You will shape software architecture, define FDIR strategies, and drive V&V campaigns across Flatsat testing and in-orbit updates.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• At least four years of experience developing or assuring software in aerospace or safety-critical domain.
• Embedded software experience with low-level hardware interfaces like CAN or Camera Link.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based systems and ECSS standards, particularly Q-ST-60-02.
• Strong software engineering methodology, testing frameworks, and lifecycle management practices.
• Proficiency in Python and C++, plus practical Git and CI/CD pipeline experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain high-reliability onboard flight software meeting product assurance and safety standards.
• Shape onboard software architecture supporting both laboratory validation environments and in-orbit operational systems.
• Define and implement FDIR strategies for satellite autonomy and resilience.
• Coordinate delivery of new software features and upgrades with external suppliers and development partners.
• Drive verification and validation strategy and participate in end-to-end V&V campaigns, including Flatsat-based integration testing.
• Champion configuration management, traceability, and integrity across onboard software components.
• Investigate and resolve software anomalies, and help define in-orbit software update processes for the constellation fleet.

Skills

Python

C++

Git

CI/CD

Embedded software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

CAN

Camera Link

ECSS standards

Job description

Role overview

Contribute to the onboard flight software that runs a commercial thermal-infrared Earth-observation satellite constellation. Working within a mission and space-segment team, you will design, develop, and validate high-reliability embedded software from early concept through in-orbit operations, collaborating closely with systems engineering, product assurance, and external suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain high-reliability onboard flight software that complies with product assurance and safety standards.
• Shape onboard software architecture supporting both laboratory validation environments and in-orbit operational systems.
• Define and implement Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) strategies for satellite autonomy and resilience.
• Coordinate delivery of new software features and upgrades with external suppliers and development partners.
• Drive verification and validation strategy and participate in end-to-end V&V campaigns, including Flatsat-based integration testing.
• Champion configuration management, traceability, and integrity across all onboard software components.
• Investigate and resolve software anomalies, and help define in-orbit software update processes for the constellation fleet.

Requirements

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• At least four years of experience developing or assuring software in aerospace or another safety-critical domain.
• Embedded software experience including low-level hardware interfaces such as CAN or Camera Link.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based systems and ECSS standards, particularly Q-ST-60-02.
• Strong software engineering methodology, testing frameworks, and lifecycle management practices.
• Proficiency in Python and C++, plus practical Git and CI/CD pipeline experience.

Nice to have

• Working knowledge of additional ECSS standards (Q-ST-80C, E-ST-40C, E-ST-70-41C, and related handbooks).
• Experience with space communication protocols such as CCSDS and CSP.
• Strong analytical, structured problem-solving ability and attention to quality.

Benefits and work setup

• Flexible hybrid working, a Virtual Share Option Plan for permanent employees, and an inclusive, science-driven culture with interdisciplinary collaboration across astrophysics, software, and defence-systems engineering.