Embedded Software Engineer - SAR

GalaxEye aims to shape the future of Satellite Image Acquisition, providing the most meaningful datasets, thus helping businesses and governments make data-driven decisions based on insights from satellite imagery. We design and build advanced remote-sensing satellites and develop value-added services for geospatial analytics and infrastructure customers.

We are seeking a highly motivated Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and validate payload control software for a space-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mission. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of reliable, real-time software responsible for controlling SAR payload operations, managing instrument modes, coordinating hardware interfaces, monitoring payload health, and supporting mission objectives throughout the spacecraft lifecycle.

The role involves close collaboration with systems engineers, FPGA engineers, RF engineers, embedded hardware teams, and mission operations personnel to deliver flight-quality software that meets stringent reliability, safety, and performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain payload control software for SAR instruments.
• Implement software for payload mode management, initialization, configuration, and operational sequencing.
• Develop interfaces with onboard avionics, command and data handling (C&DH) systems, attitude control systems, and telemetry/tele command subsystems.
• Implement real-time control algorithms for payload operation scheduling and synchronisation.
• Develop health monitoring, fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) mechanisms for payload operations.
• Integrate software with RF front-end electronics, FPGA-based processing units, timing systems, and onboard processors.
• Develop communication interfaces using standards such as SpaceWire, CAN, UART, Ethernet, SPI, or I2C as applicable.
• Support payload calibration, instrument characterization, and ground testing activities.
• Participate in software integration, verification, validation, and Flatsat testing.
• Develop unit tests, integration tests, and automated verification frameworks.
• Prepare software design documentation, interface control documents, test procedures, and user manuals.
• Support mission operations, anomaly investigations, and software maintenance after launch.
• Ensure compliance with software quality standards and space mission development processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in embedded software or real-time systems development (experience requirement may be adjusted based on role level).
• Strong programming skills in C and C++.
• Experience with embedded Linux or real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, etc
• Knowledge of software architecture, multithreading, synchronisation, and concurrency.
• Experience with hardware interfaces and embedded communication protocols.
• Familiarity with software debugging using JTAG, logic analysers, and oscilloscopes.
• Experience with version control systems such as Git.
• Understanding of software development lifecycle, configuration management, and continuous integration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in satellite payload software or spacecraft onboard software.
• Knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems and radar operating principles.
• Experience with CCSDS telemetry and tele command standards.
• Familiarity with ECSS or NASA software engineering standards.
• Experience with SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, or other spacecraft communication protocols.
• Knowledge of FPGA interaction and hardware/software co-design.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Understanding of orbital operations and spacecraft subsystems.

Desired Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail in safety- and mission-critical software development.
• Ability to manage multiple technical tasks in a fast-paced development environment.
• Commitment to software quality, reliability, and documentation.

Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space missions.
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Exposure to advanced radar, embedded systems, and spacecraft technologies.