Payload Flight Software Engineer

Hidden Jobs; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Share option plan

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Job summary

Hidden Jobs seeks an experienced aerospace software engineer to develop and operate onboard payload software for a satellite constellation. You will take flight software from design through commissioning and routine in-orbit operations, coordinating with hardware, product assurance, and mission operations.

The role emphasizes embedded development, Python skills, and hands-on use of Git and CI/CD in a safety-critical environment, with a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain high-reliability onboard payload software that meets aerospace product assurance and safety standards.
• Support payload commissioning and on-orbit activities for each new satellite in the constellation.
• Provide operational feedback into software requirements and design, collaborating across engineering, product assurance, and operations.
• Implement and validate Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) strategies to improve onboard autonomy and resilience.
• Carry out integration and verification work using flat-sat benches and other ground-based simulation platforms.
• Investigate and resolve payload anomalies, and help shape the in-orbit software update process.

Skills

Embedded software

Python

CI/CD

Testing frameworks

Git

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering / Software Engineering / Computer Science

Tools

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Testing frameworks

Job description

Role overview

Join an Earth observation imaging operations team to build and run the onboard software that powers a commercial thermal infrared satellite constellation. This is a hands‑on role focused on taking flight software from design through commissioning and routine in-orbit operations, working closely with hardware, product assurance, and mission operations colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain high-reliability onboard payload software that meets aerospace product assurance and safety standards
• Support payload commissioning and on-orbit activities for each new satellite in the constellation
• Provide operational feedback into software requirements and design, collaborating across engineering, product assurance, and operations
• Implement and validate Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) strategies to improve onboard autonomy and resilience
• Carry out integration and verification work using flat-sat benches and other ground-based simulation platforms
• Investigate and resolve payload anomalies, and help shape the in-orbit software update process

Requirements

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• At least four years of experience in software development or software assurance, preferably in aerospace or another safety‑critical domain
• Solid embedded software development experience and grounding in modern software engineering practices
• Hands‑on experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and software testing frameworks
• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with common communication protocols such as CCSDS or CSP

Nice to have

• Experience with satellite commanding systems and procedures
• Familiarity with onboard and ground‑based FDIR workflows
• Scripting in Bash or Lua, and exposure to Java, C, or C++

Benefits and work setup

• Opportunity to contribute to a sovereign‑grade thermal intelligence programme serving defence and government customers
• Hybrid working model with a flat, interdisciplinary engineering culture
• Virtual share option plan for permanent employees
• Collaboration with physicists, software developers, and systems engineers across the organisation