Embedded Flight Software Engineer – Oxford, UK – Hybrid (2 days onsite)

A UK‑based space company is looking for an Embedded Flight Software Engineer to join their team working on real‑time software systems that fly on satellites. This is hands‑on development for actual space missions – the software you write will control hardware in orbit.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, and test embedded flight software for space missions.
• Build and integrate low‑level code for onboard computers and sensors.
• Work closely with systems and hardware teams to align software with mission needs.
• Write and maintain interface control documents and test plans.
• Debug and validate code on hardware and in simulation.
• Take part in mission simulations and flight software verification.

What You’ll Need

• Strong experience in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Familiarity with real‑time operating systems (e.g. VxWorks, RTEMS).
• Comfortable working with hardware interfaces and device drivers.
• Hands‑on experience with software debugging and testing on target systems.
• Solid understanding of embedded software engineering principles.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in software, computer science, or engineering.

Nice to Have

• Experience with VxWorks, NASA cFS, or PowerPC.
• Familiarity with CCSDS, CAN, SpaceWire, or other space comms protocols.
• Knowledge of ECSS standards or MISRA guidelines.
• Background in space systems, satellite control, or mission operations.
• Exposure to Python, Linux tools, or embedded scripting.

Why This Role

• Your software will fly on satellites being launched into orbit.
• You’ll work at the core of a mission, directly contributing to spacecraft control.
• The work is deeply technical and hands‑on, not just specs and docs.
• The team is small, skilled, and mission‑focused.
• Hybrid setup with time in the lab and time to code without distractions.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.