Systems and Software Validation Engineer

ICEYE; California; On-site; USD 73,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

ICEYE in Valencia, Spain, seeks a Systems and Software Validation Engineer to own power‑on, firmware loading, and end‑to‑end verification of integrated SAR satellites on the production line.

You will run automated functional, power, and bus tests, diagnose test setup vs unit faults, maintain logs, and ensure configuration control through final activities. Collaboration across software, hardware, and QA teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in aerospace, space studies, electronics or related field.
• 4+ years hands-on experience with satellite test benches and interfaces.
• Proficient in Linux, Python, and Git.
• Systems thinking across avionics, power, and software.
• Experience with lab equipment: oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies.
• Excellent written and spoken English in cross-functional environments.

Responsibilities

• Execute initial satellite power-on, firmware flashing, and subsystem verifications.
• Run automated functional, power, and bus tests using Python, Shell, Linux.
• Work with Git to manage test code and verify builds.
• Operate GSE and troubleshoot hardware and interfaces.
• Document test results and maintain configuration control.
• Assist satellite launch campaign activities and training of junior staff.
• Contribute to continuous improvement: procedures, tools, and test automation.

Skills

Linux

Python

Git

Automation

English (written/spoken)

Systems thinking

Education

Aerospace Engineering

Electronics

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Role highlights

• Title: Systems and Software Validation Engineer

• Department: Global Manufacturing Organisation

• Reports to: Head of MAITE Spain

• Location: Valencia, Spain

• Type of Contract: Permanent

• Working model: On-site

• Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required)
  

Why this role matters

As a Systems and Software Validation Engineer, you play a vital role in bringing every satellite that reaches our Valencia production line to operational readiness. You will own the first power‑on, initial software and firmware loading, and end‑to‑end systems verification of fully integrated SAR satellites, running automated functional, power, and bus test campaigns, diagnosing issues at the boundary between software, firmware, and electronics hardware, and ensuring configuration control on final activities. Your work lets test campaigns run independently on the line, without pulling engineers away from other teams.

Who We Are

ICEYE is the world leader in sovereign intelligence from space. We deliver persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth.

ICEYE owns the world's largest and most advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellation. To our customers we provide intelligence with unmatched quality, latency and revisit times, in any weather, day or night. To governments who choose to operate their own constellation we provide this proven capability as a sovereign system.

ICEYE-built constellations serve customers in defence and intelligence, environmental monitoring, insurance and emergency management. We enable fast decisions that contribute to a safer future.

Founded and headquartered in Finland, ICEYE operates globally with over 1000 employees across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia‑Pacific.

Your day‑to‑day responsibilities

• Execute initial satellite power‑on, firmware flashing, and subsystem communication verifications.

• Run, debug, and execute automated functional, power, and bus test scripts using Python, Shell, and Linux environments.

• Work with Git repositories to manage test code, track updates, and verify software builds.

• Operate mechanical and electrical ground support equipment (GSE), and troubleshoot electronic hardware, power distribution, and digital interface issues using lab instruments (oscilloscopes, power supplies, multimeters).

• Diagnose whether an anomaly is a test setup issue or a genuine unit fault, and raise non-conformance reports (NCRs) in Jira.

• Maintain detailed test logs and accurate documentation, and ensure configuration control on final activities.

• Assist in managing activities related to satellite launch campaigns.

• Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives - procedures, processes, tools, test automation, and 6S.

• Assist in training and mentoring junior technicians, and communicate proactively with team members and supervisors regarding any challenges or obstacles.

• Work closely with the RF Senior Technician, AIT Engineering, and Quality, ensuring clear communication so that satellite build‑phase deadlines and technical specifications are met.

What we’re looking for

Must haves:

• Relevant university degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Space Studies, Applied Physics, Electronics, or similar, or equivalent hands‑on experience in a related role.

• 4+ years of hands‑on experience setting up, debugging, and running real test benches and satellite systems or interfaces, not just executing someone else’s scripts.

• Proficient in a Linux environment, comfortable modifying and debugging Python scripts, and working with Git.

• Systems thinking across avionics, power, and software, enough to tell a test setup fault from a genuine unit fault.

• Experience using lab equipment such as power supplies, multimeters, and oscilloscopes.

• Excellent communication skills, with particular attention to detail in procedures, preparation, and execution.

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, assembly instructions, and schematics.

• Proficient in English, both written and spoken, to ensure clear communication in a cross‑functional environment.

Nice to haves:

• ICEYE‑specific test frameworks, satellite bus specifics, Jira and MES flow, and launch campaign procedures.

• Space or satellite AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Testing) background.

• Experience with environmental testing (e.g. vibration/shaker rigs, thermal testing).

• Experience using Atlassian Cloud (Jira, Confluence).

• Lean & Six Sigma experience.

Application Process

• Talent Acquisition Interview

• Hiring Manager General Interview

• Technical Interview, including a Technical Challenge

• Final Interview

At ICEYE, you’ll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale‑up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win.

How We Work (Our Values)

Make the impossible possible: We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way.

• Be curious: Go deep, ask questions, listen carefully, and think critically. Understand the “why” behind decisions.

• See the big picture: Stay close to what’s happening across the company so you can make better decisions. Consider how your work affects others.

• Drive effective teamwork: Create psychological safety, invite different perspectives, and build inclusive teams. There are no bad questions.

• Act as one team: We win together. We match tasks to the right owner and stay agile as priorities shift.

• Have fun: What we do matters—and it should be enjoyable. Celebrate progress, take pride in results, and share the wins.
  

Benefits

Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing, at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Acquisition will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table.

We’re committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us—we’ll do our best to help.