Senior Space On-Board Software Engineer

Description

The role is a senior software engineering position at the company Defence and Space in Getafe, Madrid.

You will join the space software engineering team, a multidisciplinary group that builds software for advanced satellite missions.

Early work includes the most advanced satellite built in Spain, where the company Madrid is developing both the platform and the radar instrument, and the latest software releases for the LSTM mission, the first Copernicus satellite built in Madrid.

Responsibilities

• Act as the software architect, serving as the technical contact for the program and the customer.
• Design and develop software unit management functions for the program within the Astrobus NEO infrastructure.
• Produce software technical and management documents on schedule, with full traceability to requirements.
• Carry out the full software cycle: write technical specifications, perform detailed design, write code, run unit and integration tests, and define interfaces so modules can be built in parallel.
• Write test plans, run validation tests against specifications, and deliver software modules for final system integration.
• Provide specialist support for Failure Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) across all software units you have developed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience as a software engineer in the space domain.
• Ability to explain complex technical topics to executives and clients, strong problem-solving skills for high-stakes decisions, and adaptability with a habit of continuous learning.
• Advanced English (at least B2/C1) and native or C2-level Spanish, written and spoken.
• Deep knowledge of ECSS software standards, requirements management, and spacecraft unit behaviour.
• Working knowledge of C, plus Java, Python, or TypeScript/Node.js.
• Proficiency with DOORS, Eclipse, Jenkins, and space data management interfaces (RangeDB preferred).
• Nice to have: experience on European Space Agency (ESA) projects, and a Master's or Ph.D. in Software Architecture, Distributed Systems, or AI, which will be highly valued.
• You must be aware of potential compliance risks and act with integrity.

Conditions

Permanent contract at the company Defence and Space SAU.

Professional experience level.

Hybrid working where possible, supporting work-life balance.

Flexible working arrangements are encouraged to support innovative thinking.

The company is committed to workforce diversity and welcomes applications regardless of background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

Benefits

• Vacation days plus extra days off during the year.
• Attractive salary.
• Health insurance, employee stock options, retirement plan, or study grants.
• On-site facilities including a free canteen, kindergarten, and medical office.
• Collective transport in some sites.
• Opportunities to join social and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Upskilling opportunities and strong development prospects in a multicultural setting.
• Special rates on products and benefits.