Software Engineer

Software Engineer- London

BioOrbit is pioneering space-based drug manufacturing. We use microgravity to grow high-quality protein crystals, enabling easier, at-home injectable therapies. As part of our recent success we are looking to grow our team.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer with specialized expertise in payload software development to create autonomous control systems for revolutionary in-orbit pharmaceutical manufacturing platforms. This role focuses on developing mission-critical flight software that must operate reliably in the harsh space environment while controlling precise pharmaceutical manufacturing processes in microgravity. You will be responsible for designing and implementing sophisticated software architectures that enable autonomous pharmaceutical production, real-time process monitoring, and fail-safe operation throughout all mission phases. This position offers the extraordinary opportunity to pioneer flight software for an entirely new industry—space-based pharmaceutical manufacturing—where software reliability, autonomous operation, and precision control are essential for producing life-saving medications beyond Earth.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop flight-qualified payload software for autonomous pharmaceutical manufacturing systems, including process control algorithms, data acquisition systems, and real-time monitoring capabilities for microgravity operations.
• Lead software integration and comprehensive testing of payload systems, including hardware-in-the-loop testing, software verification/validation, and flight software qualification according to space industry standards.
• Implement robust software architectures with fault tolerance, autonomous recovery capabilities, and fail-safe mechanisms to ensure reliable pharmaceutical production in space environments.
• Develop ground support software and user interfaces for mission planning, payload operations, and real-time system monitoring during space missions.
• Oversee software deployment and maintenance across development and production environments, implementing DevOps practices, version control systems, and automated deployment pipelines.
• Provide comprehensive user support and system optimization, including troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and proactive maintenance of critical systems.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives, evaluating and implementing new technologies, software platforms, and IT solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for both payload software systems and IT infrastructure, including software requirements, system architectures, and operational procedures.
• Drive technical collaboration across engineering teams through code reviews, system integration meetings, and technical presentations to stakeholders and senior management.

Technical Skills + Core Competencies

• Proficiency in embedded programming languages (Python, C/C++, MATLAB) and space payload development frameworks with extensive real-time system experience.
• Expertise in payload software development, including embedded systems programming, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and flight software architecture patterns for mission-critical applications.
• Comprehensive knowledge of software verification and validation processes for space applications, including unit testing, integration testing, formal verification methods, and software quality assurance.
• Working knowledge of ECSS standards for space software development (ECSS-E-ST-40C, ECSS-Q-ST-80C) and space software qualification processes.
• Advanced experience with spacecraft communication protocols, telemetry/telecommand systems, and space-to-ground data interfaces for mission operations.
• Strong background in autonomous control systems, including machine learning algorithms, adaptive control theory, and decision-making frameworks for space applications.
• Expertise in pharmaceutical process control software, including batch control systems, process monitoring algorithms, and quality assurance automation preferred.
• Proficiency in software simulation and modeling tools for testing flight software in simulated space environments and pharmaceutical process validation.
• Experience with safety-critical software development, including hazard analysis, software safety requirements, and fault-tolerant software design patterns.
• Advanced debugging and diagnostic capabilities for complex embedded systems with experience in hardware-software integration and troubleshooting.
• Strong project management skills with experience leading flight software development projects from requirements through mission operations.
• Excellent technical communication abilities with experience presenting complex software architectures to multidisciplinary engineering teams and mission stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in software development, payload systems, or related technical role.
• Experience with embedded software development and IT system management projects.
• Preference for candidates with space systems or satellite payload software experience.
• Knowledge of ECSS standards (ECSS-E-ST-40C, ECSS-Q-ST-80C) preferred

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that is at the forefront of innovation and pushing the boundaries of in space manufacturing.

If you feel this role is of interest, please apply and one of the team from Innoforge will be in touch.

Unfortunately, sponsorship cannot be provided for this position