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Senior Flight Software Engineer

Hybrid in Barcelona·Added 10 months ago (last checked 22 Oct)

Open Cosmos

33 open roles

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Our summary

Work mode: Hybrid, Barcelona
English: Required
Experience: Senior level

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Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

What You’ll Bring

Deep expertise in Rust, with proficiency in C/C++ and embedded systems.
Familiarity with space protocols (CCSDS, telemetry/telecommand).
Strong grasp of software assurance, fault detection, and recovery design.
Experience with CI/CD, testing automation, and configuration management.
A structured yet creative approach, balancing precision with problem-solving.

Pay & benefits

Visa & relocation

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location.

The role

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.

Working in the Flight Software Team

Working across the full mission lifecycle, the team designs, implements, and tests software for both onboard and ground systems, ensuring reliability, performance, and scalability across our growing satellite fleet. Collaborating closely with systems, electronics, and mission operations, the team brings together innovation and precision to make every Open Cosmos mission fly.

What you'll do

You’ll take ownership of software design from concept to flight. That means defining architectures, implementing and verifying embedded code, and leading reviews to ensure compliance with space standards.

You will:

Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of flight software for new satellite platforms and missions.
Define software interfaces, patterns, and frameworks for onboard and ground systems using Rust, C, and C++.
Oversee system-level integration and testing of flight software across multiple missions.
Implement and review mission-critical features such as fault tolerance, safe modes, and autonomous recovery.
Mentor junior engineers, ensuring best practices in coding standards, version control, CI/CD, and documentation.
Drive design and code reviews, ensuring compliance with ECSS, DO-178C, and Open Cosmos software assurance standards.
Collaborate with hardware, systems, and operations teams to optimise performance and ensure mission readiness.

How you'll work

For this role you can be based in Harwell in UK, Barcelona in Spain or Athens, Greece.

hybrid

Hiring process

Please submit your application and CV in English.

About Open Cosmos

Open Cosmos is a space technology company that designs, builds, and operates satellites and space missions. The company provides end-to-end solutions for space missions, from satellite design and manufacturing to launch and operations, serving clients in the Earth observation and communications sectors. They are known for their 'smallsat' missions and their focus on making space more accessible and affordable.

Open Cosmos has a growing presence in Spain, with offices in Barcelona and a team of engineers and scientists working on various space projects. The company's work culture is international and collaborative, with English as the working language, making it an attractive destination for international professionals. They offer a range of roles from engineering to operations, and their Spain-based positions are part of a global effort to advance space technology.

Industry: Space Tech
Founded: 2015
Employees: 100–250
Headquarters: Harwell, UK
In Spain: Barcelona
Website: open-cosmos.com

Good to know if you are moving

The company's working language is English, making it accessible for international professionals.
Open Cosmos has a strong presence in Barcelona, Spain, which is a major hub for their space engineering and data operations.
They offer a range of technical roles, from engineering to software development, which are well-suited for international talent.
The company is actively growing its Spain operations, indicating potential for career growth in the region.
They are involved in the growing small satellite market, a sector with increasing global relevance.

In their own words

About the company & team

Why Open Cosmos?

Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.
A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.