Flight Software Validation & Verification Engineer

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Astroscale UK is seeking a flight software validation and verification engineer to join Harwell, working on real-time software for orbital debris missions including ELSA-M. The role centers on defining and executing V&V for onboard computers, creating use cases and test scripts, maintaining simulators, and coordinating with subsystems to identify software needs. Essential skills include hands-on test design and automation in Python and C/C++, Git, and experience validating real-time embedded software in the space industry, plus familiarity with PUS, CCSDS, CAN, Spacewire and ECSS-E-ST-40C. Desirable: VxWorks/RTEMS, CI/CD, Linux, UML, SPARC/PowerPC. Benefits include flexible hours, hybrid working, relocation, visa sponsorship, and a collaborative team.

Astroscale UK is seeking a validation and verification engineer to join our busy flight software team. 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 and validation of the onboard software. 

Responsibilities  

• Participate in the Validation and Verification of the Flight Software. 
• Support review of Technical Specification (SRS, ICD, SDD) and Requirement Baseline Specification (SSS, IRD). 
• Design use cases/test cases specification and implement them in test scripts. 
• Support the setup, development and maintenance of test environments(simulators) for Flight Software. 
• 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 
• Support knowledge transfer from Astroscale teams globally and provide technical review inputs to projects across the Astroscale organisation 

Essential Skills 

• Strong hands-on designing test cases for critical software. 
• Strong hands-on implementing automated test scripts for critical software. 
• Strong programming skills in Python, including managing dependencies and virtual environments. 
• Experience with software validation facilities, numerical, hybrid or hardware. 
• Experience with Git. 
• Experience in validation and verification of software for the Space Industry. 
• Experience in validation and verification of real-time embedded systems (C/C++). 
• Familiarity with commonly used protocols and standards for communications, such as PUS, CCSDS, CAN, Spacewire. 
• Good understanding of the software development lifecycle 
• Experience with the ECSS standards (specifically ECSS-E-ST-40C). 
• Proactive and self-managing, able to plan and effectively lead areas of responsibility whilst contributing collaboratively within a close-knit team. 

Desirable skills 

• Experience of development for VxWorks or RTEMS platforms 
• Experience in development of software for the Space Industry. 
• Experience in software development of real-time embedded systems (C/C++) 
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines. 
• Familiarity with UML. 
• 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. 
• Proven experience developing software test environments, and QT-based interactive software applications. 
• Experience of all stages of mission design lifecycle from initial concept to design, test, and operations. 

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  
• Optional 9/75 working pattern 
• Hybrid working available (dependent on individual role requirements) 
• 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 
• State of the art office and cleanroom facility 
• Regular social events  

Location 

Astroscale UK (Harwell). 

About Astroscale 

Founded in 2013, Astroscale is the global leader in on-orbit servicing, dedicated to the secure and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations. We provide trusted and value-added solutions for government and commercial clients from their geography of choice, to drive the long-term, circular space economy. Astroscale is also collaborating with government and commercial stakeholders to develop norms, regulations, and incentives that promote the sustainable growth of space.  

Since our first successful launch in March 2021, Astroscale has proven rendezvous and proximity operations technologies in orbit during the ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions, establishing the company as a leader in on-orbit servicing. Astroscale spacecraft have been selected for pioneering missions with JAXA, the U.S. Space Force, the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency, and Eutelsat OneWeb. As more satellite operators adopt on-orbit servicing to routinely inspect, service and remove, the potential of a circular space economy — and a future of no waste in space — is being unlocked. 

At Astroscale we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture. Our essential criteria are based solely on the requirements necessary to perform the role. If any criteria could present a barrier, we are open to discussing reasonable adjustments and are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. Astrsocale is also open to supporting job share arrangements, to further our flexible working offering.  

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.