Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Principal Embedded Software Engineer job in Milton Keynes – DOE

CesiumAstro is seeking an experienced Principal Embedded Software Engineer to play a key role in the development of advanced space communications systems. This position offers the opportunity to work across the full software development lifecycle, contributing to innovative products used in mission-critical aerospace applications.

As a senior member of the software engineering team, you will be involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept and architecture through to production, qualification, deployment, and ongoing operational support. The role requires a broad technical background spanning embedded systems, low-level software, application development, and software architecture.

The successful candidate will work on sophisticated communications and satellite technologies while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams. In addition to technical leadership responsibilities, you will contribute to customer-facing activities including design reviews, technical presentations, and proposal development.

The Role

This position is ideal for an experienced embedded software engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and taking ownership of software development throughout the entire product lifecycle.

You will contribute to software architecture, detailed design, implementation, testing, qualification, and post-deployment support while helping to deliver highly reliable software solutions for aerospace and satellite communication systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded software solutions from requirements definition through to production deployment.
• Create software architectures, detailed designs, and implementation plans for embedded systems.
• Develop, test, debug, and document system-level software and firmware.
• Conduct code reviews and contribute to software design reviews.
• Analyse software performance, stability, scalability, and resource utilisation.
• Support the integration, validation, and qualification of new product designs.
• Work closely with hardware engineering teams to ensure seamless hardware and software integration.
• Contribute to software quality assurance activities and performance optimisation.
• Provide support for deployed products, including post-production and in-orbit operational support.
• Evaluate third-party and open-source software solutions for integration into existing platforms.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations for customers, stakeholders, and senior leadership teams.
• Contribute to technical proposals, bids, and project planning activities.

Skills and Experience Required

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience developing embedded software for complex hardware systems, ideally within aerospace, communications, or other highly regulated engineering sectors.

Essential requirements include:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of nine years of commercial software development experience.
• Strong hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting embedded hardware and software systems.
• Experience designing APIs and software interfaces for FPGA-based systems.
• Previous experience developing products for aerospace or space-based applications.
• Strong programming skills using C and/or C++.
• Experience designing embedded systems using pre-emptive, multitasking real-time operating systems.
• Familiarity with real-time Linux environments.
• Experience with software configuration management systems, defect tracking tools, and peer review processes.
• Excellent understanding of real-time software development techniques and best practices.
• Strong knowledge of networking technologies, IP protocols, hardware interfaces, and embedded subsystems.
• Experience developing multi-threaded applications and managing system resources effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Experience

The following experience would be advantageous but is not essential:

• Ability to read and interpret electronic schematics and component datasheets.
• Experience working with ARM-based processors and advanced microcontroller platforms.
• Experience developing Software Development Kits (SDKs).
• Additional exposure to satellite communications, RF systems, or software-defined radio technologies.

Why Join CesiumAstro?

CesiumAstro is at the forefront of developing next-generation communications technologies for space and aerospace applications. Engineers have the opportunity to work on innovative projects that combine embedded software, digital processing, communications systems, and satellite technology.

The company offers a highly collaborative engineering environment where technical innovation, problem-solving, and professional growth are encouraged. Team members work alongside experienced specialists across multiple disciplines while contributing to products that support critical communications infrastructure around the world.

Compensation and Hiring Considerations

Compensation packages are determined based on several factors, including the responsibilities of the role, relevant industry experience, educational background, technical expertise, and overall suitability for the position.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Principal Embedded Software Engineer looking to take a leading role in the development of advanced aerospace and satellite communication technologies while working across the full product development lifecycle. If you’re interested Principal Embedded Software Engineer job in Milton Keynes, apply today!