Our Mission
At constellr, we're harnessing the power of space to solve one of Earth’s greatest challenges: climate resilience & security in a changing world. Our thermal satellite constellation delivers the most accurate land surface temperature data on the market, equipping commercial players, governments, defence agencies, and global institutions with the thermal intelligence they need to make strategic decisions– from national security and infrastructure to agriculture and climate resilience.
As a fast-scaling company with offices in Brussels, Freiburg, Munich, Washington and Toulouse, our multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and strategists is building the future of space-based Earth observation
Location: Remote or Hybrid - Germany
Team & Reporting Line: Mission and Space Segment - Reporting to Lead Satellite Systems
Your Role
You will join the constellr Mission & Space Segment team, playing a key role in shaping the onboard software that powers our satellite constellation across its full lifecycle — from early design through to in-orbit operations.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you will help define how our satellites compute, behave, and evolve in space. Your work will directly influence the reliability, performance, and long-term success of constellr’s mission.
You’ll collaborate closely across the business — working day-to-day with internal engineering teams, Product Assurance, Project Management, and Operations, as well as external suppliers. Together, you will help turn mission concepts into robust, flight-ready software systems.
In addition to software development, you will contribute to system-level design decisions, support procurement and supplier technical alignment, and help ensure our onboard software is continuously validated, improved, and ready for operation in orbit.
Key responsibilities
Design, develop, test, and maintain onboard flight software in line with product assurance and safety standards
Work with stakeholders to define, refine, and manage software requirements across all onboard systems
Contribute to the design of onboard software architecture, including support for lab-based and in-orbit operational models
Help define and implement system-level fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) strategies within onboard software
Support planning and coordination of new software features and upgrades, working closely with external suppliers
Ensure strong configuration management practices across all onboard software components
Define verification strategies and testing approaches to ensure robust and reliable flight software
Take part in verification and validation activities for onboard systems and flight software
Ensure software — both internally developed and supplier-delivered — meets defined requirements and quality standards
Support anomaly resolution and non-conformance investigations related to onboard software
Help define and improve the in-orbit software update process for satellites in the constellr fleet
Contribute to integration and testing activities using Flatsat and other ground-based environments
About You
Essential Experience:
We’re looking for someone with strong engineering fundamentals and real-world experience building software for complex, safety-critical or aerospace systems.
Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and full software development lifecycles in complex technical environments
At least 4 years of experience in software development or software assurance, ideally in aerospace or other safety-critical domains
Experience with embedded software development, including familiarity with low-level hardware interfaces (e.g., CAN, Camera Link, or similar)
Exposure to FPGA-based systems and familiarity with relevant ECSS standards (especially Q-ST-60-02)
Solid grounding in software engineering principles, development methodologies, and lifecycle management tools
Experience with software testing frameworks, tools, and processes
Strong practical experience using Git and working within CI/CD pipelines
Proficiency in Python and C++
Nice to have:
These skills would further strengthen your profile, but are not essential:
Familiarity with ECSS standards and handbooks, including:
ECSS-E-ST-40C
ECSS-E-HB-40A
ECSS-E-ST-20-04C
ECSS-Q-ST-80C
ECSS-Q-ST-60-03C
ECSS-Q-ST-30-02C
ECSS-E-ST-70-11C
ECSS-E-ST-70-41C
ECSS-E-HB-40-02A
Experience with space communication protocols such as CCSDS and CSP
Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills
High attention to detail and a strong quality mindset
Confidence in identifying inconsistencies and improving technical standards
Clear communication skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
Why Join constellr?
Be part of an ambitious mission to launch the world’s first commercial thermal infrared constellation
Play a defining role in scaling a company at the intersection of space, climate, and security
Flexible work setup with remote and hybrid options
Competitive compensation, including Virtual Share Option Plan (VSOP) for permanent employees
Join a team committed to diversity, inclusion, scientific excellence, and real-world impact