h3Flight Software Systems Engineer for Space Missions /h3p80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term /ppLed by Prof. Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, ETH Zurich | Space brings together space-related research, education and technology development across ETH Zurich. Working with academic, industrial and institutional partners, the initiative develops new space missions, instruments and technologies. /ppThis position is offered as a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension. /ph3Project background /h3pThe objective of this initiative is to establish and grow a centralized pool of space engineering expertise within ETH Zurich | Space. This pool supports ETH Zurich-led space projects and technology programs, strengthening ETH Zurich's role in the Swiss and international space ecosystem. /ph3Job description /h3pAs part of the specialized resource pool, you will provide flight software and software systems engineering expertise across multiple ETH Zurich space projects. You will contribute from early mission formulation and software architecture through implementation, integration, verification, launch preparation, and operations. /pulliTake technical ownership of assigned flight software developments and act as the primary software interface to systems engineering, avionics, payload teams, mission operations, and external platform providers. /liliTranslate mission concept of operations into spacecraft behaviors and define flight software architectures and functional decompositions /liliAllocate hardware-software functions, and define associated software requirements and interfaces. /liliTranslate mission and system requirements into software specifications, interface control documents, operational concepts, and verification plans. /liliDevelop embedded flight software in C and C++ and supporting tools and test scripts (e.g., Python), including device drivers, telemetry and telecommand handling, onboard data management, application software, and fault-management functions. /liliIntegrate flight software with onboard computers, sensors, actuators, payload electronics, communication interfaces, ground systems, and externally supplied spacecraft platforms. /liliSet up and maintain flat-sat flight software testbeds /liliPerform software-related trade studies covering processing capacity, memory, timing, bandwidth, autonomy, reliability, and fault tolerance. /liliDevelop real-time, event-driven, autonomous, synchronization, and GNC-related software functions where required. /liliEstablish and maintain software baselines, configuration control, versioning, build automation, continuous integration, release management, and requirements traceability. /liliDevelop and execute flight software unit tests, conduct integration, software-in-the-loop, processor-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and system-level verification and validation activities. /liliSupport software risk management, anomaly investigation, non-conformance handling, and technical review boards. /liliSupport spacecraft and payload assembly, integration, and test activities, commissioning, in-flight software updates, telemetry analysis, and mission operations. /liliContribute to technical reviews, early-stage mission concepts, proposals, and software feasibility studies. /liliProvide technical guidance to junior engineers, researchers, and student teams. /li /ulh3Profile /h3ulliMaster’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics, or a related field. /lili5+ years of professional experience in flight software, embedded software, or mission-critical software systems. /liliStrong programming skills in C and C++ for resource-constrained embedded targets. /liliExperience with real-time operating systems, embedded Linux, or bare-metal development. /liliExperience in software systems engineering, including architecture definition, functional decomposition, hardware-software allocation, requirements management, and interface control. /liliAbility to translate mission and spacecraft requirements into software specifications, operational concepts, and verification strategies. /liliExperience integrating flight software with avionics hardware, sensors, actuators, communication buses, payloads, or ground systems. /liliUnderstanding of telemetry and telecommand, onboard data handling, timing, autonomy, fault management, and spacecraft operations. /liliHands‑on experience with software integration, debugging, automated testing, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments. /liliExperience with configuration management, version control, release processes, technical baselines, and requirements traceability. /liliAbility to assess software‑related technical resources, including processing capacity, memory, timing, bandwidth, and reliability margins. /liliStrong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. /liliKnowledge of radiation effects, redundancy, memory protection, watchdogs, and FDIR. /liliExcellent command of English, both written and spoken; German is an advantage but not required. /li /ulh3Additionally, the following characteristics are a plus: /h3ulliExperience developing flight software for CubeSats, small satellites, scientific instruments, planetary systems, or Class D/Gamma-type missions. /liliExperience leading or coordinating software‑related and functional AIT activities, including test planning, execution, anomaly resolution, and system‑level functional verification. /liliExperience integrating payload software with spacecraft platforms supplied by external industrial partners. /liliFamiliarity with ECSS software engineering and software product assurance standards, NASA software practices, or comparable development frameworks. /liliExperience with spacecraft protocols and buses such as SpaceWire, CAN, UART, SPI, I²C, Ethernet, or CCSDS‑based services. /liliExperience with flight software frameworks or operating systems such as NASA cFS, F Prime, RTEMS, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or equivalent. /liliExperience with autonomous systems, robotic software, relative navigation, formation flying, or distributed spacecraft coordination. /liliExperience with FPGA or firmware interfaces and hardware‑software co‑design. /liliExperience with EGSE, simulators, ground software, commissioning, or in‑orbit operations. /liliExperience collaborating with international partners, space agencies, research institutions, or spacecraft suppliers. /liliGood knowledge of flight software suppliers. /li /ulh3We offer /h3ulliA dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities. /liliA motivated team sharing a passion for space, science, and engineering. /liliThe opportunity to contribute to space missions from early concept and software architecture through integration, launch, and operations. /liliWork across spacecraft, payload, robotics, autonomy, and distributed‑system applications /li /ulh3We value diversity and sustainability /h3pIn line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future. /ph3Curious? So are we. /h3pQuestions regarding the position should be directed to Florian Kehl ( ) (no applications). /ppFurther information about Department can be found on our website. /ppFor recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply. /ph3About ETH Zürich /h3pETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising inscience and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,cutting‑edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledgeinto society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find ouruniversity to be a place that promotes independent thinking and anenvironment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,yet forging connections all over the world, we work together todevelop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow. /p #J-18808-Ljbffr
