Embedded Flight Software Engineer (Space Autonomy & AI)

Embedded Flight Software Engineer (Space Autonomy & AI)

Job Title: Embedded Flight Software Engineer (Space Autonomy & Edge AI)

Company: The SpaceLead (on behalf of a client)

About The SpaceLead:

The SpaceLead partners with innovative companies shaping the future of space. To stay ahead in the sector, follow our LinkedIn Newsletter for insights on space, autonomy, and deep tech.

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Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Location: Hybrid - Oxford, Harwell, Woking, or Guildford, UK.

A significant on-site presence (expected to be ~4 days per week) is essential for this role to foster collaboration with the engineering team and build our foundational culture.

About the Role:

The SpaceLead is seeking a top-tier Embedded Flight Software Engineer for a UK startup backed by leading institutions. Our client is developing advanced technology to enable next-generation in-orbit services and satellite operations.

You will be responsible for developing the foundational flight software and operating system that enables our advanced AI to run reliably and efficiently in the harsh environment of space. This is a rare opportunity to build the core architecture of a space-qualified, AI-native computer from the ground up.

What You'll Do:

• Design and develop the real-time operating system (RTOS) or core executive software for our space-based AI computer.
• Write robust, low-level drivers and board support packages (BSPs) for custom and COTS hardware.
• Implement fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) mechanisms to ensure system resilience against space radiation and other hazards.
• Develop and manage the bootloader, system initialisation, and secure update processes.
• Create APIs and software layers that allow our AI/ML models to interface efficiently with the hardware.
• Collaborate closely with hardware and AI engineers to optimize the entire system for low-power, high-performance computation.
• Develop comprehensive testing, simulation, and verification strategies for mission-critical software.

What You'll Need:

• A degree (BSc/MSc/PhD or equivalent industry experience) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• A proven track record of shipping mission-critical embedded software, preferably for aerospace, automotive, or medical devices.
• Deep expertise in C/C++ for resource-constrained embedded systems.
• Hands-on experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or VxWorks.
• Experience with hardware interfaces and communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, CAN, SpaceWire).
• Familiarity with computer architecture, memory management, and low-level hardware debugging using tools like JTAG.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to architect reliable, complex systems.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

What Our Client Offers:

• A competitive salary and participation in the company's future stock option plan.
• The opportunity to work on groundbreaking technology for the space sector.
• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements.
• A generous budget for professional development and a wellness/lifestyle stipend.
• A key role in shaping company culture and strategy from the ground up.
• Private health insurance and a statutory pension scheme.

To Apply:

Please submit your application directly via LinkedIn. All applications are managed confidentially by The SpaceLead on behalf of our client.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Space Research and Technology

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