Flight Software Architect

About the role

Clearspace is looking for a Flight Software Architect to join its UK office, working on current missions and future projects that enable sustainable space operations.

Key responsibilities

• Define, maintain and evolve the flight software architecture and technical roadmap.
• Act as Software Subsystem Lead on selected projects, owning design, specification and delivery commitments.
• Support architecture trade‑offs at system level and push innovations into the flight software.
• Define product policy to streamline software development across projects.
• Prepare and conduct architecture and design reviews.
• Promote technical excellence and drive continuous improvement of the FSW team.
• Define and adjust the FSW development process according to applicable standards.
• Support proposal and estimate processes, including make/buy/partner strategy.
• Lead the project software team, coordinate activities with internal and external suppliers, and control cost and schedule.
• Perform development and validation of key software components and mentor the FSW team.

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in embedded software development and verification/validation.
• Strong software architecture and design skills, including requirements‑driven development and design reviews.
• Hands‑on ability to develop and validate critical software components.
• MSc degree in Software, Electronics, Aerospace, Physics or a related field.
• Team‑player attitude with good communication skills.
• Innovative, rigorous mindset with the ability to view both high‑level and detailed technical issues.
• Proven team leadership and mentoring experience.
• Experience delivering software in a project context, managing planning, cost, schedule and supplier coordination.

Required skills

• Embedded software development (C/C++, RTOS, low‑level interfaces).
• Verification and validation (unit/integration testing, CI, scripting).
• Standards such as ECSS, DO‑178, CENELEC EN 50128, ISO 26262.
• Software architecture and requirements‑driven design.
• Python scripting for automation.