Software Architect

Job Title: Software Architect

Organisation Overview

Our Client operates at the forefront of the space industry, specialising in innovative satellite agility solutions. Their cutting-edge technology enhances the effectiveness of satellites, launch vehicles, space cargo, and future lunar or Mars landers, making them ten times more efficient than current standards. Renowned for fostering a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment, they promote a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth. They are committed to excellence, collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of space technology, offering an inspiring place to develop a career dedicated to shaping the future of space exploration.

Role Summary

This pivotal position has arisen as part of an exciting strategic expansion, focusing on the development and realisation of advanced embedded systems critical to space missions. The Software Architect will take a leading role in designing, guiding, and overseeing embedded software across multiple projects, ensuring technical excellence from initial concept through to flight deployment. The role offers a unique opportunity to influence groundbreaking space hardware, working with a talented team and cross-disciplinary engineers, shaping solutions that will operate in the most demanding environments imaginable.

Responsibilities

• Defining and documenting comprehensive software architecture and design decisions to underpin space-qualified embedded systems.
• Setting high standards for coding, review, testing, and documentation, ensuring strict adherence to space industry regulations and standards.
• Leading the development team, mentoring engineers, and fostering a culture of quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborating closely with avionics and control engineers to develop firmware interfaces and integrated systems.
• Working with the product assurance team to gather and present evidence for qualification, traceability, verification, and certification processes.
• Managing the full lifecycle of embedded software, from conceptual design through validation and in-flight deployment.
• Representing the technical integrity of the software in reviews with customers and stakeholders, defending design choices and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Nurturing a proactive approach to problem-solving and supporting the team to meet challenging project milestones.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven expertise in developing embedded firmware using C/C++ for microcontrollers, ideally within aerospace or related high-reliability sectors.
• Familiarity with hardware description languages such as VHDL or Verilog, and experience working alongside FPGA engineers.
• Demonstrable experience owning the architecture of embedded systems from concept to deployment with a thorough understanding of safety standards like ECSS-E-ST-40, DO-178C, or similar.
• Skilled in creating detailed technical documentation and qualification evidence required for space hardware certification.
• Strong leadership abilities, capable of guiding small teams of engineers and establishing a robust technical environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with fluency in English, enabling clear articulation of complex concepts and design rationale.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Prior experience working in space or satellite systems manufacturing.
• Knowledge of industry-specific standards such as ECSS, ASD S Series, or NASA requirements.
• Experience with risk management processes and safety analysis related to space or aeronautical hardware.
• Familiarity with Agile or Scrum methodologies tailored for hardware development.
• Additional language skills or additional technical certifications related to space or embedded systems.

Call to Action

If you are a passionate embedded software architect ready to make a significant impact in space technology, we invite you to submit your CV for consideration. This is your chance to be part of a pioneering organisation committed to pushing the boundaries of exploration and discovery. Suitable candidates who meet the essential criteria will be contacted promptly to discuss this exciting opportunity further.