Satellite Software Architect

About the role

Aerospacelab, a vertically integrated small-satellite manufacturer, is looking for a Satellite Software Architect to define and own the software architecture across its satellite platforms, from flight software on the on-board computer down to unit-level firmware in radios, cameras, optical transceivers, network switches and other sensors and actuators. The role bridges unit development teams and the satellite-level system architecture, and spans the full development cycle, including in-orbit operations.

Key responsibilities

• Define and own the end-to-end satellite software architecture across the platform family, from flight software to unit-level embedded software.
• Establish software design standards, interface control conventions and reusable architectural building blocks.
• Work with Embedded Software Engineers, EE and FPGA engineers to turn system requirements into software designs, and support implementation and code/design reviews.
• Collaborate with system and avionics engineers to derive software requirements and ensure full requirements traceability.
• Drive architectural trade-off studies (on-board processing vs. downlink, redundancy, fault management, resource budgeting) and design reviews (PDR, CDR).
• Support integration, verification and validation, and operations on software-related topics.
• Partner with operators, AOCS and V&V teams to increase satellite automation and autonomy.
• Own the flight software development roadmap and feed lessons learnt from flying satellites back into the architecture and roadmap.

Required profile

• MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing software architectures for complex, multi-component embedded systems.
• Ability to lead technical discussions, structure trade-offs and communicate to multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English; good communication skills.

Required skills

• Embedded software development with strong C and Python.
• Real-time operating systems (preferably FreeRTOS) and Linux-based embedded environments.
• Nice to have: space sector experience, ECSS/CCSDS standards, Buildroot, U-Boot, Zynq, CMake, CAN/I2C/SPI/UART/SpaceWire, ICDs, on-board autonomy and AOCS software.

What we offer

• Permanent contract, salary package consistent with experience.
• Flat hierarchy, fast-paced environment and flexible ways of working.
• Direct impact on the company's growth and a career path built around your own ambitions.