Flight Software Architect (UK)
ClearSpace5 months ago
London, United KingdomStaff+
Responsibilities
- Define, maintain, and evolve ClearSpace flight software architecture and the technical roadmap across projects.
- Support system-level architecture trade-offs, innovation, product policy, software specifications, design, architecture reviews, standards, and reuse.
- Act as Software Subsystem Lead on selected projects, owning software design and system specification.
- Define and improve flight software development processes and disseminate technical best practices.
- Support bids, estimation, make/buy/partner strategies, and supplier partnerships.
- Deliver flight software within scope, budget, schedule, and quality targets while coordinating internal teams and external suppliers.
- Lead project software teams, monitor costs and schedules, report to Project Managers, and support supplier contractual follow-up.
- Develop and validate key software components and lead problem-resolution sessions.
- Provide technical support to system and subsystem teams and management, serve as the company flight software contact, and interface with customers.
- Mentor and train the flight software team.
Requirements
- 10+ years of relevant experience in embedded software development and verification/validation.
- Strong software architecture and design skills, including requirements-driven development and design reviews.
- Ability to perform hands-on development and validation of key software components when needed.
- MSc degree in Software, Electronics, Aerospace, Physics, or a similar field.
- Experience delivering software in a project context, including planning, cost and schedule awareness, and supplier coordination.
- Experience with team leadership and mentoring, strong communication, and the ability to work across both high-level architecture and detailed technical topics.
- Experience in standard-driven industries such as ECSS, DO-178, CENELEC EN 50128, or ISO 26262 is preferred.
- Real-time embedded development experience with C/C++, RTOS, and low-level interfaces is preferred.
- Verification tooling and automation experience, including unit/integration testing, continuous integration, and Python scripting, is preferred.
- Space software experience, including ECSS processes, AIV/AIT interfaces, and onboard software constraints, is preferred.
About ClearSpace
ClearSpace develops in‑orbit servicing spacecraft and software for satellite disposal, inspection, transport, and life‑extension, serving institutional space agencies and commercial operators. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Luxembourg, it operates across Switzerland, the UK, Germany, and Luxembourg, and leads ClearSpace‑1, Europe’s first active debris‑removal mission, alongside the Phoenix life‑extension program. The privately held company follows ISO 9001:2015 processes and delivers end‑to‑end missions under contract.