Senior C++ Engineer - Satellite Real-Time Control Systems

Job description

Role highlights: • Senior C++ Engineer – Satellite Real-Time Control Systems • Location: Warsaw, Poland • Department: Engineering • Reports to: Engineering Lead, AOCS Software • Employment type: Permanent • Workplace model: Hybrid • Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required) Why this role matters: As a Senior C++ Engineer – Satellite Real-Time Control Systems, you’ll develop and operate real-time embedded software that powers ICEYE’s growing SAR satellite constellation. Every radar image, collision-avoidance manoeuvre, and customer mission relies on deterministic, high-performance software deployed continuously to satellites operating in unforgiving orbital dynamics. Your work will directly enable first responders to map floods, insurers to assess damage, and scientists to measure a changing planet. In this role, microseconds matter and every line of code has a direct, global impact from space. Who We Are ICEYE delivers space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to governments and allied nations. This includes sovereign and turnkey ISR missions leveraging ICEYE’s world-leading synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, as well as access to data from the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation. These capabilities enable partners to detect and respond to critical changes anywhere on Earth with unprecedented speed and accuracy, day or night and in any weather, supported by ultra high-resolution imagery and high-frequency revisits. As a trusted partner for defense, intelligence, security, and maritime domain awareness, ICEYE’s near real-time data creates a tactical advantage for mission-critical operations. Designed for dual use, the platform also serves civil protection and commercial users for natural-catastrophe intelligence, insurance, maritime monitoring including oil-spill detection, and finance, contributing to global security and community resilience. ICEYE is headquartered in Finland and operates globally across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. We have more than 900 employees, united by a shared vision: improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation. Your day-to-day responsibilities • Write and optimize modern C++ code that meets strict determinism and latency budgets for safe and precise on-orbit execution • Build and own the software layer that bridges sensors, actuators, and control algorithms including deterministic loops, telemetry pipelines, and on-orbit autonomy • Drive quality across the full development lifecycle from requirements and design to HIL and MIL testing, launch, and on-orbit support • Collaborate with GNC, electronics, ground segment, and mission operations engineers to debug, iterate, and improve system performance • Lead architecture evolution as the fleet and use cases grow by refactoring, optimizing, and introducing new technologies where they add value • Investigate anomalies by deep-diving into flight telemetry, reproducing issues on the ground, and rolling out fixes that keep the constellation healthy What we’re looking for Must haves: • Strong experience writing modern C++ with a clear understanding of production-quality code • Proven track record of delivering real-time control software for autonomous or safety-critical systems such as satellites, drones, robotics, or automotive systems • Solid understanding of hard real-time constraints, latency budgeting, and deterministic behaviour • Experience interfacing with sensors and actuators in embedded Linux environments • Strong engineering practices including rigorous testing, CI/CD, and clear documentation • Ownership mindset across the full software lifecycle from concept to on-orbit maintenance • Clear communicator who collaborates effectively across multidisciplinary teams Nice to haves: • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop and model-in-the-loop testing • Experience supporting software in operational or mission-critical environments • Familiarity with satellite GNC or space systems Application Process • Talent Attraction screening • Hiring Manager interview • Task and Technical interview • On-site technical workshop • On-site behavioural interview Working at ICEYE At ICEYE, you’ll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win. How We Work (Our Values) Make the impossible possible: We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way. • Be curious: Go deep, ask questions, listen carefully, and think critically. Under