Embedded Software Engineer

Aurora has the opportunity to expand our support to ESA. We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer in the Directorate of Science (D/SCI) at ESTEC.

Happiness of our employees has proven key to obtaining excellent results and a client who also regards us highly for excellent service.

Specific Tasks

Project and Technical Support

• Support working groups, mission, project, or operations teams in defining validation activities.
• Provide payload expertise for future mission studies or projects.
• Support payload reviews and the evaluation of proposals in response to mission calls, missions of opportunity, and technology calls.
• Support the monitoring of industrial technology development activities.

Design and Development

• Define and prepare validation activity set-ups, with emphasis on software aspects.
• Perform software development in support of payload technology validation and science research activities.
• Develop and maintain databases (inventory, technology development activities).
• Design and develop user interfaces and system automation solutions.
• Perform digital system programming (microcontrollers, FPGA, etc.) for control and automation of test equipment.
• Carry out low-level hardware interfacing and implement remote control and data acquisition systems.
• Develop and maintain the existing Python libraries used in the laboratories.

Testing and Validation

• Install, maintain, and update laboratory computers, servers, software, licences, and data storage equipment.
• Prepare and maintain test documentation (test requirements, test plans, and test reports).
• Perform commissioning, testing, and validation of activity set-ups and payload systems.
• Support the testing of front-end electronics for sensors (CCD, infrared detectors, CIS, etc.).
• Support mixed-signal ASIC testing at room and cryogenic temperatures, as well as in general laboratory environments.
• Provide IT technical solutions supporting payload validation activities (data acquisition, control, and automation).

Data Processing and Reporting (nice to have)

• Conduct test data analysis and visualisation, providing results and reporting to project or operations teams.

Specific qualification requirements

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in adequate fields, such as Software Engineering or computer science.
• At least 8 years work experience.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Customer focused solution oriented mindset.
• Knowledge of web-based technologies: WebSocket, CSS3, HTML5, TypeScript, HTTPS.
• Experience with server-based services: Nginx (reverse proxy), firewalls, systemd, Docker.
• Understanding of web security principles: Authentication techniques, authorization, and vulnerability testing.
• Hands-on experience with DevOps and cloud-based tools: GitLab CI, Grafana, InfluxDB, Elasticsearch, and similar frameworks.
• Proficiency in Python and its ecosystem.
• Solid foundation in electronics fundamentals.
• Experience in low-level programming: C, Assembly, VHDL, Verilog.
• Experience developing embedded solutions: Microcontrollers (e.g., STM32), DAQs, and FPGAs.
• Ability to interpret detector datasheets and ICDs and translate bias, clocking, and SPI requirements into a functional readout controller.
• Knowledge of programming paradigms: Object-oriented and functional programming.
• Familiarity with modern software development practices: Test-driven development (TDD), continuous integration (CI), and static analysis tools.

Legal and Security Requirements

• All applicants must be legally allowed to work in The Netherlands.
• Applicants are required to provide a copy of their passport and degree certificate. Aurora will validate the Degree with the issuing University and provide evidence to ESA.
• Prior to issuing a letter of employment the applicant shall provide to Aurora a recent official document declaring that they are of good conduct from the country where currently resident.

Location

The work will be performed at the European Space Technology and Research Centre (ESTEC) at Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Contract

• All employees receive good remuneration in line with function and experience.
• When autonomous then teleworking can often be utilised.
• Will be registered for both social security and tax in the Netherlands.
• The standard working hours are 40 per week.
• There are 12 public holidays and an additional 30 annual days holiday.
• Training to improve efficiency and provide strength for future career are of course included.
• Aurora contributes 15,4% of pensionable salary to a company pension scheme and employees can optionally make additional contributions.

To be considered for this Position

Prior to 2026-01-19, please apply via our Job Application form.

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