Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Space Forge is a fast growing advanced materials company. Our goal is to exploit the extreme temperature, microgravity and ultra-high vacuum conditions available in low earth orbit (LEO) to manufacture materials that cannot readily be grown terrestrially. Returning these materials to earth, we aim to revolutionise the semiconductor market and to make space work for humanity. To achieve this we have developed a range of technologies including the world’s first returnable and reusable satellite platform, the ForgeStar®.

We are seeking a full time mid to senior level embedded software engineer to join our team.  You will help design and build C/C++ software to enable our mission, whether it is in our ground station equipment or deployment on our satellites.

What will you do?

• Embedded software design for deployment in ground and space applications.
• Coding in embedded C and C++
• Documentation and testing
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as systems and electronics engineering to deliver great software design that meets the requirements of the mission.

Key responsibilities:

• Taking  software requirements for a complete subsystem (e.g. motor driver or communication system), and design and build software to meet those requirements
• Reviewing electronics schematics, processor datasheets, peripheral datasheets, and peripheral interface (protocol) definition documents
• Writing  documentation covering the architecture, design, APIs, protocols, and implementation.
• Build unit tests, integration tests, subsystem tests, and full-system tests.  This will include writing system and subsystem test scripts.  It will also include writing and executing manual testing plans.
• Mentoring members of the team, sharing your knowledge and experience.
• Peer review of design and code in line with Agile PR practices.

Requirements

Required experience:

• Developing in C/C++ for  embedded Real Time operating Systems (RTOS);
• Experience with hardware level communication protocols (e.g. I2C, UART or RS-485/422);
• Ability to understand electronics schematics and device datasheets.

Desirable experience:

• Experience with Slack, Jira and Google workspace as productivity tools.
• Demonstrable experience of working across the full software lifetime development cycle.
• Working knowledge of the space industry and European space standards.
• Knowledge of Agile and Waterfall working practices.
• Experience with UML.
• Use of Python 3 for test scripts and data analysis. 

We are looking for people who are willing to work hard, think logically, have high energy levels, respect others’ abilities and ultimately have an unending appetite to learn a large number of new skills quickly. Space Forge is committed to making super-powered teams of diverse individuals in all senses of the term, therefore women are strongly encouraged to apply and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Benefits

Why Space Forge?

We believe in a future where our most polluting industries are moved off the planet, built for sustainability, and returned back to Earth for the benefit of all. Space is the next step for our manufacturing needs. 

Salary range: £42,000 - £70,000  pa depending on experience, knowledge and skill set

At Space Forge, we believe in creating the best possible workplace that suits every single person that joins us. 

• Flexible working hours 
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Pension scheme at 4% matched
• Charity or cause you’re passionate about? Up to 5 volunteering days a year to support the things closest to you and make an impact
• Super cool brand new office and factory - the coffee is on us (and it’s certified carbon neutral too, our snazzy machine does anything from the humble americano to a superb flat white)
• Pizza pay day - okay, it’s not always pizza, but if you’re at the office on pay day, lunch is on us
• You’re the master of your own destiny. We offer every person at Space Forge a £1500 annual learning budget  so you can choose the training or experiences to help you grow
• Your mental health is important! You’ll have access to Spill - an all-in-one mental health support platform offering completely anonymous therapy sessions to our whole team

• Working with a passionate, friendly and highly motivated team
• Maternity / Paternity benefits beyond statutory

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and that starts with hiring diversely. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Space Forge.

If there are any adjustments that would help improve your experience with Space Forge, please do let us know when you apply.

We also believe our interview process should be inclusive and transparent and we take it very seriously. We want to give you time to learn about us while we get to know you. As always, if there is anything missing, or you've identified a way we can improve, just let us know!

CLOSING DATE: This application will close on 10th September 2024, we will then review applications and shortlist. Please note, you may not have feedback until after the closing date.