Flight Software V&V Engineer

This position will be part of the team responsible for the verification and validation of the embedded real-time software for our future orbital debris missions including the ELSA-M service to capture and retire multiple satellites.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a professional background in real-time embedded software looking to take the next step in their career and be part of exciting and innovative projects in space.

This role will focus on flight software verification and validation for satellite onboard computers; defining solutions based on requirements, working with other subsystem teams on software needs, performing verification, integration, and test activities. Responsibilities will also involve integrating Computer Vision and Guidance, Navigation and Control software into the flight software environment.

Responsibilities 

• Perform Flight Software verification, validation, and integration.
• Support the development and delivery of V&V plans for Flight Software.
• Support the set up and maintenance of test environments for Flight Software.
• Review Flight Software requirements, ICDs, architecture, design and plans.
• Support all aspects of testing as needed, including non-functional and automated regression tests.
• Identify test equipment and solutions to support Flight Software.
• Coordinate with other teams at sub-system and system level to identify software needs and solutions
• Participate in Mission System Test and Simulation campaigns.
• Support knowledge transfer from Astroscale teams globally and provide technical review inputs to projects across the Astroscale organisation

Essential Skills

• Strong hands-on automated and manual testing skills.
• Experience with Git.
• Proven experience developing software test environments, and QT-based interactive software applications.
• Strong programming skills in Python, including managing dependencies and virtual environments.
• Experience in software development for real-time embedded systems (C/C++).
• Experience of implementing real-time systems and software.
• Experience in developing and implementing test plans.
• Proactive and self-managing, able to plan and effectively lead areas of responsibility whilst contributing collaboratively within a close-knit team.

Desirable skills

• Experience developing software for the aerospace sector..
• Experience of development for VxWorks or RTEMS platforms
• Experience of all stages of mission design lifecycle from initial concept to design, test, and operations.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines.
• Good understanding of the software development lifecycle: requirements capture, design, implementation, code review, testing, issue tracking, etc.
• Familiarity with UML.
• Familiarity with commonly used protocols and standards for communications, such as CCSDS, CAN, Spacewire.
• Knowledge of cFS software framework.
• Experience of SPARC V8 or PowerPC architecture.
• Linux system administration, shell scripts, make, etc.
• Development on Linux systems.
• Knowledge of scripting languages.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Opportunity to work with a highly talented, diverse & dynamic international team with cutting edge technology
• Flexible working around core hours in a friendly and supportive environment
• Hybrid working available (dependent on individual role requirements)
• Optional 9/75 fortnight
• 25 days holiday (increasing yearly up to a maximum of 28 days) + 8 days Bank Holiday
• Life insurance and long-term sick pay
• Private healthcare (taxable benefit)
• Relocation allowance
• Visa sponsorship for employees considered
• New state of the art office and cleanroom facility
• Regular social events 

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell), with potential for some travel to Astroscale Japan (Tokyo)

About Astroscale

We aim to deliver cutting edge technologies that will become part of routine commercial space operations by 2030.

Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the only company dedicated to in-orbit servicing across all orbits. Founded in 2013, we are developing innovative and scalable solutions across the spectrum of in-orbit servicing missions, including End of Life services, Active Debris Removal, In-situ Space Situational Awareness and Life Extension Services, to create sustainable space systems and mitigate against the hazardous build-up of debris in space.

Astroscale is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note to recruitment agencies: Astroscale operates a preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency approaches. Please do not forward candidate CVs or details in response to this advert, or to any Astroscale employee.