Flight Software Systems Engineer for Space Missions

ph3Flight Software Systems Engineer for Space Missions /h3 h380%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term /h3 pLed 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 pThis position is offered as a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension. /p h3Project background /h3 pThe 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 pThe 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 h3Job description /h3 pAs 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 pAs part of your role, you will: /p ul liTake 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 liTranslate mission concept of operations into spacecraft behaviors and define flight software architectures and functional decompositions. /li liAllocate hardware-software functions, and define associated software requirements and interfaces. /li liTranslate mission and system requirements into software specifications, interface control documents, operational concepts, and verification plans. /li liDevelop 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 liIntegrate flight software with onboard computers, sensors, actuators, payload electronics, communication interfaces, ground systems, and externally supplied spacecraft platforms. /li liSet up and maintain flat-sat flight software testbeds. /li liPerform software-related trade studies covering processing capacity, memory, timing, bandwidth, autonomy, reliability, and fault tolerance. /li liDevelop real-time, event-driven, autonomous, synchronization, and GNC-related software functions where required. /li liEstablish and maintain software baselines, configuration control, versioning, build automation, continuous integration, release management, and requirements traceability. /li liDevelop 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 liSupport software risk management, anomaly investigation, non-conformance handling, and technical review boards. /li liSupport spacecraft and payload assembly, integration, and test activities, commissioning, in-flight software updates, telemetry analysis, and mission operations. /li liContribute to technical reviews, early-stage mission concepts, proposals, and software feasibility studies. /li /ul ul liProvide technical guidance to junior engineers, researchers, and student teams. /li /ul h3Profile /h3 pYou 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 pWe are looking for someone with: /p ul liMaster’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics, or a related field. /li li5+ years of professional experience in flight software, embedded software, or mission-critical software systems. /li liStrong programming skills in C and C++ for resource-constrained embedded targets. /li liExperience with real-time operating systems, embedded Linux, or bare-metal development. /li liExperience in software systems engineering, including architecture definition, functional decomposition, hardware-software allocation, requirements management, and interface control. /li liAbility to translate mission and spacecraft requirements into software specifications, operational concepts, and verification strategies. /li liExperience integrating flight software with avionics hardware, sensors, actuators, communication buses, payloads, or ground systems. /li liUnderstanding of telemetry and telecommand, onboard data handling, timing, autonomy, fault management, and spacecraft operations. /li liHands‑on experience with software integration, debugging, automated testing, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments. /li liExperience with configuration management, version control, release processes, technical baselines, and requirements traceability. /li liAbility to assess software‑related technical resources, including processing capacity, memory, timing, bandwidth, and reliability margins. /li liStrong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. /li liKnowledge of radiation effects, redundancy, memory protection, watchdogs, and FDIR. /li liExcellent command of English, both written and spoken; German is an advantage but not required. /li /ul pAdditionally, the following characteristics are a plus: /p ul liExperience developing flight software for CubeSats, small satellites, scientific instruments, planetary systems, or Class D/Gamma-type missions. /li liExperience leading or coordinating software-related and functional AIT activities, including test planning, execution, anomaly resolution, and system-level functional verification. /li liExperience integrating payload software with spacecraft platforms supplied by external industrial partners. /li liFamiliarity with ECSS software engineering and software product assurance standards, NASA software practices, or comparable development frameworks. /li liExperience with spacecraft protocols and buses such as SpaceWire, CAN, UART, SPI, I²C, Ethernet, or CCSDS-based services. /li liExperience with flight software frameworks or operating systems such as NASA cFS, F Prime, RTEMS, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or equivalent. /li liExperience with autonomous systems, robotic software, relative navigation, formation flying, or distributed spacecraft coordination. /li liExperience with FPGA or firmware interfaces and hardware-software co-design. /li liExperience with EGSE, simulators, ground software, commissioning, or in-orbit operations. /li liExperience collaborating with international partners, space agencies, research institutions, or spacecraft suppliers. /li liGood knowledge of flight software suppliers. /li /ul h3We offer /h3 ul liA dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities. /li liA motivated team sharing a passion for space, science, and engineering. /li liThe opportunity to contribute to space missions from early concept and software architecture through integration, launch, and operations. /li liWork across spacecraft, payload, robotics, autonomy, and distributed-system applications. /li /ul pWorking, teaching and research at ETH Zurich /p h3We value diversity and sustainability /h3 pIn 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. /p h3Contact /h3 pQuestions regarding the position should be directed to Florian Kehl ( ) (no applications). /p pFurther information about Department can be found on our website. /p h3About ETH Zürich /h3 pETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting‑edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr