Embedded Software Engineer (F/H)

About Exotrail 🚀

Space is becoming more strategic and competitive than ever. Tomorrow’s space leaders will not simply launch satellites into orbit, they will be able to move them, reposition them, extend their lifetime, and maximize their performance in space.

Since 2017, Exotrail has been developing and operating cutting-edge in-space mobility solutions for commercial, institutional, and defense customers. From our high-performance propulsion system spaceware™ to our orbital transfer vehicle spacevan™, we enable satellites to go farther, stay operational longer, and achieve more.

Today, more than 200 Exotrailers across Massy and Toulouse are working together to make space operations more efficient and sustainable.

Backed by over €75 million in funding, we are pursuing a clear mission:

Making space a sustainable frontier for future generations. 🚀

Job Description

As part of our In-Orbit Services (IOS) Business Unit, you will play a key role in developing the embedded software that powers Exotrail's innovative space systems, from early design phases through to in-orbit operations.

If you enjoy tackling complex technical challenges, working close to hardware, and seeing your code operate in space, this opportunity is for you.

As an Embedded Software Engineer within the Avionics team, you will contribute to the design, development, validation, and qualification of the embedded software that equips Exotrail satellites.

You will also develop and maintain software tools used for ground testing and mission operations, ensuring the performance, reliability, and safety of our systems throughout their lifecycle.

Working closely with System, Electronics, AIT, GNC, and Software teams, you will contribute to ambitious space programs within a highly technological and fast-growing environment.

Embedded Software Development

• Design, develop, and maintain real-time embedded software for critical space applications.
• Develop test tools and software supporting validation activities and ground operations.
• Contribute to technical decisions and software architecture evolution.
• Ensure software robustness, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.

Requirements Management & Systems Engineering

• Support the definition and analysis of software requirements in collaboration with Systems Engineers.
• Ensure traceability between requirements, implementation, and testing activities.
• Guarantee compliance of software deliverables throughout the development lifecycle.

Verification & Validation

• Define and develop automated test campaigns, including unit, integration, and functional validation tests.
• Analyze test results and ensure requirements coverage.
• Participate in software qualification activities for space equipment.

Software Architecture & Continuous Improvement

• Design robust, scalable, and maintainable software architectures.
• Optimize embedded application performance, including CPU usage, memory footprint, and power consumption.
• Contribute to technical debt reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the implementation of secure software update mechanisms.

Technical Collaboration

• Work closely with Systems, Electronics, AIT, and GNC teams.
• Participate in project technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, including specifications, test plans, reports, and user/developer guides.
• Identify technical risks, propose mitigation plans, and actively contribute to quality processes.

Technical Skills

• Strong experience in embedded software development using C/C++ .
• Good proficiency in Python for test tooling and automation.
• Knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) .
• Experience with low-level development, including drivers, hardware interfaces, and communication protocols.
• Understanding of software development processes for critical or highly regulated systems.
• Familiarity with build environments, debugging tools, static analysis, and code coverage tools.
• Good understanding of Agile methodologies and systems engineering principles.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience in the space, aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical industries.
• Knowledge of standards such as ECSS , DO-178C , MISRA , or equivalent.
• Experience with Hardware/Software integration activities.
• Understanding of complex embedded architectures and distributed systems.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• High level of rigor and technical excellence.
• Ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Curiosity, autonomy, and a continuous learning mindset.

Why Join Exotrail?

• Contribute to technology that truly operates in space.
• Work on complete systems, from embedded software development to in-orbit operations.
• Collaborate with passionate experts across systems, avionics, software, propulsion, and space operations.
• Take part in innovative projects within a rapidly growing international company.
• Make a direct impact on the space missions and technologies of tomorrow.

Benefits & Perks

• 🏥 70% employer-funded health insurance.
• 🚆 50% reimbursement of public transportation costs.
• 🏡 Up to 2 days of remote work per week, depending on the position.
• 👶 Enhanced maternity and paternity leave coverage with no seniority requirement.
• 📚 Training and professional development opportunities.
• 🧘 Well-being programs including Moka Care, conferences, and the ExoCare Program for Moments that Matter .
• ⏳ 35 days of paid leave per year (vacation + RTT equivalent).

Working Environment

• 📍 Offices located in the heart of Toulouse.
• 🏭 Brand-new industrial site in Massy.
• ☕ Complimentary coffee, tea, and fresh fruit available on site.

Work-Life Balance

• 🎉 Regular team events and afterworks.
• 💆 On-site osteopathy sessions organized at both locations.

1. HR Interview

Discussion about your background, motivations, and career aspirations.

2. Hiring Manager Interview

Conversation focused on the role, team challenges, and your professional experience.

3. Technical Interview

Assessment of your technical skills, engineering approach, and problem-solving capabilities.

4. Final Interview

A final discussion to confirm mutual fit and answer any remaining questions.