Software Integration and Test Engineer

This is a unique opportunity to join the space sector and to have your work launch into orbit!

Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Sutherland Spaceport. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over £103m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, our launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting-edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in space.

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.

Responsibilities
The position includes the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Working with AIT on verification of Test requirements
• Developing test and validation plans for AIT requirements
• Integration/Debugging on site for DAQ integration efforts
• Collecting / Analysis of Orbex Flight Platform system health data both live at Orbex test sites and also offline after test campaigns
• Supporting the Flight software team developing new features for Orbex Flight Platform
• working with the test and validation team to diagnose defects
• implementation of feature changes to flight software
• Working on embedded test tools for flight software validation
• Run unit tests of modules and take care of debugging
• Requirements analysis, produce design documentation for new Orbex Flight Platform software features
• Reviewing feature requests against current baseline, generate costs + design documentation
• Reviewing HW schematics change requests and evaluating impact on Orbex Flight Platform performance and development timelines
• Working with the test and validation team to develop test plans and test definitions for complete feature sets
• Working with hardware deployment on site, monitoring and active debugging should it be required during live testing of various hardware units and complete stage assemblies
• Bare metal peripheral driver development, with a special emphasis on run-time performance and interaction with other system components
• Working with external partners to integrate complete project deliverables into Orbex Flight Platform

Key Qualifications and Experience          

• BSc, MSc or PHD in Computer Science or practical experience in a relevant field
• Confident in C/C++, Python programming, Gitlabs, Linux
• Ideally some experience as an Embedded Software Developer
• Low level software debugging on-target
• Experience with real-time operating systems, FreeRTOS, SafeRTOS etc.
• Experience with hardware debugging tools such as logic analyzer or oscilloscope
• Ethernet packet log/analysis

Desirable Skills

• Candidates with an understanding of high reliability or mission critical software practices such as MISRA C or DO178B would be preferred but not essential
• Experience writing, implementing, and debugging communication protocols such as UART, SPI, RS232/485, CAN BUS etc
• UDP packet monitoring and processing
• ARM CoreSight tooling, ARM Complier   

Personality
Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.
It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non technical team members.

You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.
Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.

Location

Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security. This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters but will spend significant time at our test site RAF Kinloss and will require working outdoors. 
Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It’s close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches, and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world-famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort. 
If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location. 

Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking, and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland. 
If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep. 

Security
You must be a UK or European citizen, or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check.

Benefits
For the right candidate, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Competitive Salary depending on experience 
• Share Options in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful
• 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays
• NEST workplace pension
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary
• Independent supporting services including: mortgage advice and health and wellbeing apps
• Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support through the visa application process.