Senior Software Engineer
About Bright Ascension
We are a fast growing, innovative company changing the way that software is developed in the space industry. With customers across the world, ranging from universities and space agencies, to commercial organisations and start-ups, our core technologies enable our customers to develop and operate space-based systems and services faster, cheaper and more reliably. Innovation is at the heart of what we do and it is our team which drives that innovation; this is reflected in our commitment to employee ownership, which gives all of us a voice, and a stake, in our current and future success. With offices in Dundee, Edinburgh and Bristol we now have over 40 members of staff and plans to expand to a team of around 50 over the next 12 months. We are at a very exciting time in our ambitious growth plans and have fantastic opportunities for talented individuals to join our team.
Job summary
We are looking for two motivated and enthusiastic Senior Software Engineers to join our Missions team, building software to support customer missions and carry out R&D activities related to Flight Software. These exciting new roles will contribute to ongoing software development, taking responsibility for specific areas of functionality and being the driver of development in these areas.
Our Senior Software Engineers will be responsible for making sure that customers have the software they need throughout the development, testing and operation of their satellites; whilst adhering to the agreed scope, budget and schedule of projects so that the commercial interests of the company are protected. Depending on project size, these roles will involve working both independently and as part of a team, and may require work across multiple projects in parallel.
As a member of the Missions team your key responsibilities would be:
Pre-bid technical analysis and feasibility assessment of flight software projects and related R&D projects.
Collaboration with customers and other project stakeholders to mature and optimise the mission concept of operations, systems design and interface specifications.
Software design, including technical specification, architectural design, detailed design and interface specification.
Working with project managers to plan, estimate and track software development activities.
Implement, test and debug flight software.
Carry out required software verification and validation activities and produce associated documentation such as test plans and test reports.
Write customer-facing technical documentation such as user manuals.
Contribute to internal product development and process improvements within the company.
Manage and supervise the work of junior engineers on the team.
Coach and develop junior engineers.
Provide support to customers and other stakeholders throughout the project.
Provide 4th line technical support to ongoing missions.
We see this role as being full time, although this is negotiable. Ideally, we would like this role to be based in either Dundee or Edinburgh, to allow for close working with the wider team. This is a hybrid role with options for both office and home working.
Essential skills and experience
We see experience with the following as essential to the job:
Strong C programming skills.
Strong analytical and design skills.
Development and debugging of quality code and adherence to best coding/development practices.
Experience with software product/quality assurance.
Knowledge of, or exposure to, space systems in either a commercial or academic context.
Ability to work in a Linux environment using a range of standard development tools.
Track record of working successfully on complex technical projects with a high degree of autonomy.
Personal skills
We're especially looking for someone who:
Enjoys problem solving in a range of programming languages, with an interest in learning new languages and frameworks.
Works well both independently and in a team, respecting the opinions of others as part of a fast-paced technical environment.
Is diligent, creative, and attentive to details.
Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills, both for internal and external customer facing, interactions.
Wants to make a strong contribution to the business, financially but also in terms of team culture and values. You enjoy making an impact and shaping how businesses operates.
Is consistently curious, is interested in learning new skills and is open to new ideas and ways of working.
What we can offer you
A competitive salary in the range of £40k-£50k per annum depending on experience, with regular reviews.
A fantastic opportunity to join a growing, innovative, employee-centred business pushing boundaries in the space industry.
Flexible hours and hybrid working, enabling you to create your ideal work life balance.
36 days paid holiday per annum.
6% employer pension contribution.
Enhanced Company Sick Pay and Long-Term Sickness cover.
Death in Service payment.
As a member of the Bright Ascension team you would have a stake in the business through our Employee Benefit Trust which owns 13% of our business.
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
Opportunities for international travel for exhibitions and trade shows.
Investment in you and your skill development and the opportunity to attend relevant events and conferences to aid career / skill development.
Company events and regular activities for social engagement and team building.
An open, supportive, inclusive environment where you can explore your ideas and make a big difference to the product and business.
To apply please send your CV along with a Cover Letter to
All applicants should have the right to work in the UK.
Read more: www.brightascension.com