Embedded C development for satellite and spacecraft platforms, working close to the hardware on systems that have to perform first time, every time.
The role
This is a space technology business delivering satellite missions from initial concept through launch and into operational life. The engineering teams aren't boxed into one phase of development — you'd be involved from day one, working alongside hardware, systems and mission teams to get real spacecraft into orbit on realistic timescales.
The work covers the full development lifecycle: requirements capture, architecture input, implementation, testing, integration, and ongoing support through mission delivery. Tight constraints, real-time systems, hardware interaction, and reliability requirements that don't allow for a second attempt.
Projects move quickly and priorities shift. There's a constant balance between technical excellence and delivery, and the engineers who do well here are pragmatic, adaptable, and comfortable taking ownership of technical decisions under pressure.
The environment suits engineers who want autonomy and technical ownership without layers of process getting in the way. Teams are collaborative and delivery-focused.
What we need to see
- Strong embedded C development experience within real-time environments
- Background working with RTOS or bare-metal systems — VxWorks, RT Linux, FreeRTOS or similar
- Good understanding of low-level software and hardware interaction
- Experience delivering software against structured engineering processes
- Python for tooling, scripting or test automation
- Familiarity with communication protocols such as CAN, serial interfaces and IP networking
- Comfortable working within Agile-style delivery
Useful, not essential
- Understanding of digital electronics
- Experience with SPARC, ARM or RISC-V architectures
- Space, aerospace, defence, robotics, automotive or other safety and mission-critical sector experience