Mission Critical Software

Within the space industry there is a wide variety of mission critical software, whether on-board software or ground segment software – all must ensure high reliability, efficiency and dependability. As mission critical, any software produced needs to be coded and tested following dependable software engineering methods and software product assurance requirements (ECSS standards).

In addition, on-board software typically runs on specialised microprocessors that have memory limitations and computational resources and are typically expected to be able to run for at least ten years with no flight prototype possibilities and with no patching required. Some may include specialised services to electrical interfaces and buses that have additional real-time requirements for data processing. (e.g. OBDH, MIL1553, CAN buses, Spacewire).

The ground segment process payload data with an ever increasing requirement of higher throughputs as well as continuously changing security requirements. With complex infrastructures, ground segments software engineers need to work on system level to ensure interoperability.

All these prerequisites lead to strong requirements for software validation to be performed before and after software is integrated at system level.

Typical requirements in this domain include:

• ECSS-E-ST-40C and ECSS-E-ST-70-41A;
• Software Engineering tools: GNU/Linux, Makefile, Python, gcc, git;
• Programming languages: C/C++, Ada, TCL (primarily);
• Embedded Real Time Systems and Real Time Kernels;
• Micro-processors such as SPARC LEON, ARM, multicore’s etc.;
• Communication protocols (Mil-1553, SpaceWire, CAN);
• End to End vehicle dynamics modelling with implementation in 6DoF simulation environments (Matlab, Simulink, DSpace);
• Machine Learning applications for data processing: image processing, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance;
• End to end cyber security systems: Information security system requirements analysis, architecture and design, protection against AI-enabled attacks and threat vectors;
• Knowledge in (Model-Based) Software production, test processes and associated tools (e.g. Capella, Enterprise Architect, On-Board Software Reference Architecture, TASTE).

If it sounds like you, and interested in working at the forefront of cutting edge technology development in the space industry, explore our open positions and apply today.

General requirements:

• Fluency in English. Knowledge of another member state language is an advantage;
• Master’s degree in Engineering or relevant;
• 4 years of relevant professional experience in a relevant field;
• Eligible to work in the EU;
• EU Secret Security clearance is considered an advantage;
• Candidates without the required degree or years of experience are encouraged to send in their CV as well as these are not hard requirements.

About Sapienza Consulting

Do you want to work as a space engineer for the European Space Agency (ESA) across Europe? Sapienza Consulting now offers many exciting job opportunities in the engineering field exclusively via the Space Defence Security Jobs platform. Working at one of the ESA’s site via Sapienza Consulting offers more than a promising career; it brings you close to the latest innovations of the European space industry.