Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Spire
Glasgow, Alba / Scotland, G2 1AL, United Kingdom
Last month
Seniority
Senior
Posted
3 Mar 2026 (Last month)

We are seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our Platform team supporting Spacecraft Operations. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting other disciplines by focusing on the embedded software aspects of our satellite systems. The Platform team interfaces directly with many engineering groups to conduct R&D, design, manufacturing, and operations activities, ultimately ensuring all current and future spacecraft systems satisfy their mission.

Ideal candidates will embrace the commercialization of nanosatellite systems and adapt to low-cost, fast-paced systems design, development, and implementation methodologies that set Spire apart from our competition. In this fast-paced environment, the design to launch cycle is measured in weeks and months, not years!

What You’ll Do as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer:

  • Design, implement and test, deploy and maintain embedded firmware
  • Collaborate with other engineering functions on scoping, architecture and system design
  • Resolve on-orbit and on-ground issues related to embedded systems
  • Implement, optimize and maintain various serial protocols
  • Design and develop interface tools to improve abstraction between the embedded system and other satellite components
  • Debug and resolve complex embedded systems issues in a timely manner
  • Write and maintain technical documentation

Key Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Mastery of Embedded C programming language
  • Proficiency with scripting languages like Python and Bash
  • Extensive experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), specifically FreeRTOS
  • Familiarity with serial protocols and implementations
  • Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in debugging embedded systems
  • Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git)
  • Experience developing on Linux (Ubuntu)
  • A base level of mathematical knowledge (engineering mathematic or similar)
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with space systems or satellite technology
  • Familiarity working to coding standards and using static analysis tools
  • Experience writing Rust for resource constrained environments (embedded Linux)
  • Experience with embedded Linux
  • Knowledge of control systems and algorithms

Tools and Technologies:

  • FreeRTOS for real-time operating system implementation
  • GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain for code compilation
  • GDB for debugging, complemented by extensive use of serial and/or CAN debugging
  • Experience with debugging techniques for systems without JTAG access, particularly for remote issue resolution
  • Familiarity with manual testing procedures for embedded interface code
  • Experience working with Arm Cortex Microcontrollers
  • Version control using Git

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-RK1


Global Perks

🛰️ Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)
🚀 Launch Attendance
🌴 Generous Time Off Policy
🎓 Education Assistance Program
🥰 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
📈 Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
👣 Family Leave
💪 Fitness Reimbursement
🧡 Employee Referral Program
🍉 Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

About Spire

Weimprove life on Earth with data from space.

Spire Global is a space-to-cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real-time global coverage of every point on Earth.



Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.

Please take a moment to review Spire's Global Data Privacy Notice for Employees, Contractors, Candidates and Visitors, as well as Spire's Privacy Policy.



Kindly be advised that communication regarding your application may come from @spire.com, @recruiting.spire.com, or from Candidate.fyi (our scheduling tool).


Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Holt Executive Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
£60,000 – £90,000 pa

Senior Spacecraft Software Engineer

Spire Glasgow, Alba / Scotland, G2 1AL, United Kingdom

Hardware Engineer

Curtiss Wright Corporation Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom

GNC Engineer - Avionics

Spire Glasgow, Alba / Scotland, G2 1AL, United Kingdom

Optical AIV Engineer

SatelliteVu Guildford, United Kingdom
On-site

Electronics Engineer

Orion Electrotech East Sharcott, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
£38,000 – £45,000 pa

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Where to Advertise Space Jobs in the UK (2026 Guide)

Advertising space jobs in the UK requires a different approach to most technical hiring. The candidate pool spans satellite engineers, propulsion specialists, mission analysts, ground segment software developers, space systems architects and commercial space professionals — a highly specific multidisciplinary community that general job boards are poorly equipped to reach. The strongest space candidates are often embedded in ESA programmes, academic research groups, UK Space Agency-funded projects or established primes, and move between roles through sector-specific networks, industry bodies and conference communities rather than mainstream platforms. This guide, published by UKSpaceJobs.co.uk, covers where to advertise space industry roles in the UK in 2026, how the main platforms compare, what employers should expect to pay, and what the data says about hiring across different role types.

New Space Employers to Watch in 2026: UK and Global Organisations Driving the Future of Space Careers

The space industry is entering a new era of growth, innovation, and commercial opportunity. Satellites, space exploration, Earth observation, space data analytics, launch systems and space infrastructure are all areas seeing rapid expansion, bringing demand for engineers, scientists, operations specialists and software developers. For professionals exploring opportunities on www.UKSpaceJobs.co.uk , identifying employers that are scaling, securing major contracts, attracting investment, or establishing UK operations is vital. This article highlights the most exciting space employers to watch in 2026, including UK space start‑ups, established aerospace organisations with UK teams, and global firms investing in British space talent.

How Many Space Industry Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a UK Space Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in the space industry — whether that’s spacecraft engineering, mission operations, space software, satellite systems, ground segment integration or space data analytics — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools, platforms and technologies mentioned in job adverts. One role wants experience with CAD and FEA software. Another asks for experience with GNSS simulation. A third mentions mission scheduling tools, RF link analysis suites, Python, C++, continuous integration — and it seems there’s always another acronym to learn. With so much listed, many candidates fall into the trap of thinking they must master every tool under the sun before they’ll be taken seriously. Here’s the honest truth most UK space hiring managers won’t say out loud: 👉 They don’t hire you because you’ve heard of every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real space problems, explain your reasoning clearly, and deliver results. Tools matter, but they always serve a purpose: achieving mission goals, improving reliability, reducing risk, delivering data, or enabling collaboration. Tools are enablers — not trophies. So how many tools do you actually need to know to get a space job? The answer is much fewer and far more strategic than you might think. This article breaks down: what tools employers really expect which ones are core across most space roles which ones are role-specific how to present your tool proficiency on your CV and in interviews