(Senior) Engineer, Embedded Software, meoSphere

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

meoSphere is SES’s next-generation Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellation, designed to deliver secure connectivity services to government agencies, enterprises, and commercial customers. It will also provide high-speed broadband internet to eliminate global connectivity dead zones.

To accelerate development timelines, reduce costs, and ensure quality, SES is internalizing a critical segment of the satellite supply chain: the final integration of partner satellite platforms with SES’s software-defined payloads, all within a cutting-edge manufacturing and test facility.

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Embedded Software Engineer to join our satellite payload team. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing embedded software for advanced satellite payloads, with a strong emphasis on performance, reliability, and real-time constraints. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about pushing the boundaries of space technology

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Develop and maintain embedded software for satellite payload systems using Rust and C++.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, hardware designers, and mission teams to define software requirements and interfaces.
• Optimize code for real-time performance, low power consumption, and fault tolerance.
• Integrate software with hardware components and conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Participate in code reviews, unit testing, and continuous integration workflows.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across the software-hardware boundary.
• Contribute to documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and operational procedures.
• Support mission-critical timelines and adapt to evolving project requirements.

COMPETENCIES, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience (5+ years) in embedded software for satcom payloads, avionics, or equivalent safety‑critical domains
• Proven experience in embedded software development for real-time systems.
• Strong proficiency in Rust and C++, with a deep understanding of memory management, concurrency, and safety.
• Familiarity with RTOS, bare-metal programming, and low-level hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN).
• Experience with cross-compilation, toolchains, and debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, GDB).
• Knowledge of satellite systems, payload operations, or space-grade electronics is a strong plus.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with fault detection/recovery mechanisms.
• Knowledge of signal processing, data compression, or telemetry protocols.
• Experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks.
• Exposure to FPGA integration, hardware abstraction layers, or sensor fusion.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• Eligibility for ESA/EU/NATO/National SECRET personnel security clearances. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such clearance, is considered an asset.
• Willing to work at least 60% onsite from office
• Able to travel nationally & internationally