Flight Software Systems Engineer for Space Missions

ph3Flight Software Systems Engineer for Space Missions /h3 /brpLed 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. /p /brpThis position is offered as a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension. /p /brh3Project background /h3 /brpThe 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. /p /brpThe Flight Software Systems Engineer will support a diverse portfolio of small spacecraft, scientific instruments, robotic systems, and technology demonstrators. The work includes resource-constrained missions, integration with externally supplied spacecraft platforms, autonomous functions, and future distributed or coordinated spacecraft concepts. This role interfaces across systems engineering, avionics, payloads, and software development, and coordinates with external platform providers and mission operations teams. /p /brpAs 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. /p /brpAs part of your role, you will: /p /brul /brliTake 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. /li /brliTranslate mission concept of operations into spacecraft behaviors and define flight software architectures and functional decompositions /li /brliAllocate hardware-software functions, and define associated software requirements and interfaces. /li /brliTranslate mission and system requirements into software specifications, interface control documents, operational concepts, and verification plans. /li /brliDevelop 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. /li /brliIntegrate flight software with onboard computers, sensors, actuators, payload electronics, communication interfaces, ground systems, and externally supplied spacecraft platforms. /li /brliSet up and maintain flat-sat flight software testbeds /li /brliPerform software-related trade studies covering processing capacity, memory, timing, bandwidth, autonomy, reliability, and fault tolerance. /li /brliDevelop real-time, event-driven, autonomous, synchronization, and GNC-related software functions where required. /li /brliEstablish and maintain software baselines, configuration control, versioning, build automation, continuous integration, release management, and requirements traceability. /li /brliDevelop 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. /li /brliSupport software risk management, anomaly investigation, non-conformance handling, and technical review boards. /li /brliSupport spacecraft and payload assembly, integration, and test activities, commissioning, in-flight software updates, telemetry analysis, and mission operations. /li /brliContribute to technical reviews, early-stage mission concepts, proposals, and software feasibility studies. /li /brliProvide technical guidance to junior engineers, researchers, and student teams. /li /br /ul /brh3Profile /h3 /brpYou have a strong background in embedded and real-time software development combined with systems-level experience in software architecture, requirements engineering, interface definition, integration, and functional verification. You are comfortable working across mission, spacecraft, avionics, payload, software, and operations domains. /p /brpWe are looking for someone with: /p /brul /brliMaster’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics, or a related field. /li /brli5+ years of professional experience in flight software, embedded software, or mission-critical software systems. /li /brliStrong programming skills in C and C++ for resource-constrained embedded targets. /li /brliExperience with real-time operating systems, embedded Linux, or bare-metal development. /li /brliExperience in software systems engineering, including architecture definition, functional decomposition, hardware-software allocation, requirements management, and interface control. /li /brliAbility to translate mission and spacecraft requirements into software specifications, operational concepts, and verification strategies. /li /brliExperience integrating flight software with avionics hardware, sensors, actuators, communication buses, payloads, or ground systems. /li /brliUnderstanding of telemetry and telecommand, onboard data handling, timing, autonomy, fault management, and spacecraft operations. /li /brliHands‑on experience with software integration, debugging, automated testing, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments. /li /brliExperience with configuration management, version control, release processes, technical baselines, and requirements traceability. /li /brliAbility to assess software‑related technical resources, including processing capacity, memory, timing, bandwidth, and reliability margins. /li /brliStrong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. /li /brliKnowledge of radiation effects, redundancy, memory protection, watchdogs, and FDIR. /li /brliExcellent command of English, both written and spoken; German is an advantage but not required. /li /br /ul /brpAdditionally, the following characteristics are a plus: /p /brul /brliExperience developing flight software for CubeSats, small satellites, scientific instruments, planetary systems, or Class D/Gamma‑type missions. /li /brliExperience leading or coordinating software‑related and functional AIT activities, including test planning, execution, anomaly resolution, and system‑level functional verification. /li /brliExperience integrating payload software with spacecraft platforms supplied by external industrial partners. /li /brliFamiliarity with ECSS software engineering and software product assurance standards, NASA software practices, or comparable development frameworks. /li /brliExperience with spacecraft protocols and buses such as SpaceWire, CAN, UART, SPI, I²C, Ethernet, or CCSDS‑based services. /li /brliExperience with flight software frameworks or operating systems such as NASA cFS, F Prime, RTEMS, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or equivalent. /li /brliExperience with autonomous systems, robotic software, relative navigation, formation flying, or distributed spacecraft coordination. /li /brliExperience with FPGA or firmware interfaces and hardware‑software co‑design. /li /brliExperience with EGSE, simulators, ground software, commissioning, or in‑orbit operations. /li /brliExperience collaborating with international partners, space agencies, research institutions, or spacecraft suppliers. /li /brliGood knowledge of flight software suppliers. /li /br /ul /brh3Workplace /h3 /brh3We offer /h3 /brul /brliA dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities. /li /brliA motivated team sharing a passion for space, science, and engineering. /li /brliThe opportunity to contribute to space missions from early concept and software architecture through integration, launch, and operations. /li /brliWork across spacecraft, payload, robotics, autonomy, and distributed‑system applications. /li /br /ul /brIn 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 . /brh3Curious? So are we. /h3 /brpFurther information about Department can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Florian Kehl( )(no applications). /p /brpETH 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 /p #J-18808-Ljbffr