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Flight Software

Senior Firmware Engineer

Spire Global logoSpire GlobalGlasgowPosted 5mo ago

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our Platform team (folks looking after the spacecraft). The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting other disciplines by focusing on the embedded software aspects of our satellite systems. The Platform team interfaces directly with many engineering groups to conduct R&D, design, manufacturing, and operations activities, ultimately ensuring all current and future spacecraft systems satisfy their mission.

Ideal candidates will embrace the commercialization of nanosatellite systems and adapt to low-cost, fast-paced systems design, development, and implementation methodologies that set Spire apart from our competition. In this fast-paced environment, the design to launch cycle is measured in weeks and months, not years!

What You’ll Do as a Senior Firmware Engineer

  • Design, implement and test, deploy and maintain embedded firmware
  • Collaborate with other engineering functions on scoping, architecture and system design
  • Resolve on-orbit and on-ground issues related to embedded systems
  • Implement, optimize and maintain various serial protocols
  • Design and develop interface tools to improve abstraction between the embedded system and other satellite components
  • Debug and resolve complex embedded systems issues in a timely manner
  • Write and maintain technical documentation

Key Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Mastery of Embedded C programming language
  • Proficiency with scripting languages like Python and Bash
  • Extensive experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), specifically FreeRTOS
  • Familiarity with serial protocols and implementations
  • Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in debugging embedded systems
  • Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git)
  • Experience developing on Linux (Ubuntu)
  • A base level of mathematical knowledge (engineering mathematic or similar)
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with space systems or satellite technology
  • Familiarity working to coding standards and using static analysis tools
  • Experience writing Rust for resource constrained environments (embedded Linux)
  • Experience with embedded Linux
  • Knowledge of control systems and algorithms

Tools and Technologies

  • FreeRTOS for real-time operating system implementation
  • GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain for code compilation
  • GDB for debugging, complemented by extensive use of serial and/or CAN debugging
  • Experience with debugging techniques for systems without JTAG access, particularly for remote issue resolution
  • Familiarity with manual testing procedures for embedded interface code
  • Experience working with Arm Cortex Microcontrollers
  • Version control using Git

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses - this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-MI

Global Perks

πŸ›°οΈ Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP) πŸš€ Launch Attendance 🌴 Generous Time Off Policy πŸŽ“ Education Assistance Program πŸ₯° Employee Assistance Program (EAP) πŸ“ˆ Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) πŸ‘£ Family Leave πŸ’ͺ Fitness Reimbursement 🧑 Employee Referral Program πŸ‰ Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

About Spire

We improve life on Earth with data from space.

Spire Global is a space-to-cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real-time global coverage of every point on Earth.

Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check . This may include criminal history and employment verification.

Please take a moment to review Spire's Global Data Privacy Notice for Employees, Contractors, Candidates and Visitors , as well as Spire's Privacy Policy.

Kindly be advised that communication regarding your application may come from @spire.com, @recruiting.spire.com, or from Candidate.fyi (our scheduling tool).

Copied from the listing Spire Global published, verified 29 Oct 2026.

The application

Your details and CV, then 12 questions.

Have readyCVCover letter (optional)LinkedIn (optional)Website (optional)
  1. 1.
    Given the option, do you lean more toward Team Dell or Team Mac for your work setup?Pick one: πŸ’Ό Team Dell (Windows) Β· 🍏 Team Mac (macOS) Β· πŸ€·β€β™€οΈ No strong preference
  2. 2.
    Please indicate your salary expectations for this position.Short answer
  3. 3.
    Spire operates in a hybrid capacity and this role requires you to be onsite in the office advertised 3x per week. Are you able to meet this requirement?Yes or no
  4. 4.
    If you are not currently located near a Spire office, are you open to relocation for this position in the immediate future?Pick one: I live within a commutable distance of a Spire office. Β· I will relocate. Β· I am looking for remote work.
  5. 5.
    Spire collects the following information to comply with international laws and regulations. Please select your citizenship.Pick one (196 options)
  6. 6.
    If you have dual citizenship, please select your second citizenship.Pick one (197 options)
  7. 7.
    Do you or will you require sponsorship for employment?Yes or no
  8. 8.
    I declare that the information given in my job application is complete and accurate.Yes or no
  9. 9.
    I declare that I have no criminal convictions other than any treated as spent under the provisions of the relevant Rehabilitation of Offenders legislation and those disclosed on the form.Yes or no
  10. 10.
    I declare that any misrepresentation of the facts is a ground for refusal of employment or disciplinary proceedings (and, in appropriate cases, criminal charges).Yes or no
  11. 11.
    I confirm my approval for approaches to be made to former employers, educational establishments, government agencies and personal referees for verification of the information.Yes or no
  12. 12.
    I authorise - if deployed on an activity that so requires - the CAA or its agents to carry out a Counter Terrorism Check and understand that deployment on any such activities is conditional on the satisfactory result of such a check.Yes or no

Taken from the application form Spire Global runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.

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