Software Assurance Engineer (Satellites)

constellr; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 91,344 - 125,599; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

VSOP

Flexible work setup

Job summary

constellr is seeking a proactive, detail-driven team member for the Product and Quality Assurance (PQA) team with a strong focus on Flight Software Product Assurance. You’ll ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of flight and ground software across our satellite constellation, working at the intersection of engineering, quality, and operations in a fast-moving space environment.

You’ll define and maintain software quality standards, balance structured processes with rapid development

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or related field.
• Proven Flight Software Product Assurance experience in the space industry.
• Strong knowledge of software testing, verification, and validation in safety-critical environments.
• Experience with embedded flight software for satellites or payload systems (FDIR experience helpful).
• Proficiency with software configuration management tools and processes.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards, especially ECSS-Q-ST-80C and ECSS-E-ST-40C.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a robust Software Product Assurance programme reporting to the Product Assurance Manager.
• Take end-to-end ownership of Software Product Assurance across flight and ground software for the satellite constellation.
• Define and oversee software testing, verification, and validation strategies across all development and delivery phases.
• Coordinate and lead software deliveries from suppliers, ensuring alignment with internal standards and quality expectations.
• Support Spacecraft AIT activities to ensure software readiness and compliance at every stage.

Skills

Flight SW PA

Software V&V

ECSS standards

Config management

English comms

Education

Engineering or CS

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: Program Management Team | Reports to Lead Project & Procurement Manager

Your Role

We are looking for a proactive and detail‑driven team player to join our Product and Quality Assurance (PQA) team, with a strong focus on Flight Software Product Assurance.

In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of both flight and ground software across our growing satellite constellation. You will work at the intersection of engineering, quality, and operations, helping to shape how we build and deliver software in a fast‑moving, mission‑critical space environment.

The PQA team defines and maintains the company’s quality and Product Assurance standards. Your work will directly contribute to ensuring our software meets the highest levels of robustness, compliance, and reliability, supporting mission success in both orbit and ground operations.

This is a role for someone who thrives in complex, technical environments, enjoys working across disciplines, and is comfortable balancing structured quality processes with the pace of a rapidly scaling space organisation. You will be trusted to take end‑to‑end ownership, bring clarity to ambiguity, and help embed strong engineering discipline across the software lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve a robust Software Product Assurance (PA) programme, reporting directly to the Product Assurance Manager.
• Take end‑to‑end ownership of Software Product Assurance across both flight and ground software for our satellite constellation.
• Ensure rigorous application of software configuration management and release processes, maintaining strong version control, traceability, and engineering discipline.
• Enforce compliance with safety‑critical and mission‑critical software standards, with a strong focus on risk reduction and failure prevention.
• Define and oversee software testing, verification, and validation strategies across all development and delivery phases.
• Investigate, manage, and resolve software anomalies throughout development, testing, integration, and operational phases.
• Support Spacecraft Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) activities, ensuring software readiness and compliance at every stage.
• Coordinate and lead software deliveries from suppliers, ensuring alignment with internal standards, schedules, and quality expectations.
• Participate in subcontractor reviews and key technical meetings, working closely with procurement engineers and Product Assurance stakeholders.
• Balance the demands of rapid development cycles with the need to maintain strong Product Assurance and software quality standards in a fast‑paced space environment.

About You

Essential Experience:

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Proven experience in Flight Software Product Assurance within the space industry.
• Strong understanding of software testing, verification, and validation in safety‑critical environments.
• Experience with embedded flight software for satellites, spacecraft platforms, or payload systems (experience with FDIR highly desirable).
• Strong proficiency in software configuration management tools and processes.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards, particularly ECSS-Q-ST-80C (Software Product Assurance) and ECSS-E-ST-40C (Software Engineering).
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills, with experience in risk management and anomaly investigation.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines, with a proactive approach to risk identification and escalation.
• Strong team mindset, with a desire to help build and shape a growing organisation.
• Comfortable working independently, taking ownership and delivering in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Nice to have:

• Experience with automation, scripting, or AI‑assisted engineering tools (e.g. prompt‑based workflows).
• Exposure to high‑growth or start‑up aerospace environments.
• Broader understanding of end‑to‑end spacecraft systems engineering lifecycles.

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