Flight Software Systems Engineer for Space Missions — ETH Zürich
- Location
- Zurich
- Contract
- fixed-term
- Posted
- 7 days ago
Role overview
Flight Software Systems Engineer for Space Missions
80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term
Led by Prof.
- Flight Software Systems Engineer for Space Missions
- 80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term
Application process
- Develop embedded flight software in C and C++ and supporting tools and test scripts (e.g., Python), including device drivers, telemetry and telecommand handling, onboard data management, application software, and fault-management functions.
- Integrate flight software with onboard computers, sensors, actuators, payload electronics, communication interfaces, ground systems, and externally supplied spacecraft platforms.
- Set up and maintain flat-sat flight software testbeds
- Perform software-related trade studies covering processing capacity, memory, timing, bandwidth, autonomy, reliability, and fault tolerance.
- Develop real-time, event-driven, autonomous, synchronization, and GNC-related software functions where required.
- Establish and maintain software baselines, configuration control, versioning, build automation, continuous integration, release management, and requirements traceability.
- Develop and execute flight software unit tests, conduct integration, software-in-the-loop, processor-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and system-level verification and validation activities.
- Support software risk management, anomaly investigation, non-conformance handling, and technical review boards.
Contacts
- Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
- Questions regarding the position should be directed to Florian Kehl ([email protected]) (no applications).
- ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
- science and technology.
- We are renowned for our excellent education,
- cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
- into society.
- Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
- university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
- environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
Company and context
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
- Knowledge of radiation effects, redundancy, memory protection, watchdogs, and FDIR.
- Excellent command of English, both written and spoken;
- German is an advantage but not required.
- Additionally, the following characteristics are a plus:
- Experience developing flight software for CubeSats, small satellites, scientific instruments, planetary systems, or Class D/Gamma-type missions.
- Experience leading or coordinating software-related and functional AIT activities, including test planning, execution, anomaly resolution, and system-level functional verification.
- Experience integrating payload software with spacecraft platforms supplied by external industrial partners.
- Familiarity with ECSS software engineering and software product assurance standards, NASA software practices, or comparable development frameworks.
- Experience with spacecraft protocols and buses such as SpaceWire, CAN, UART, SPI, I 2;C, Ethernet, or CCSDS-based services.
Additional details
- This position is offered as a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension. Project background
- This pool supports ETH Zurich-led space projects and technology programs, strengthening ETH Zurich’s role in the Swiss and international space ecosystem.
- This role interfaces across systems engineering, avionics, payloads, and software development, and coordinates with external platform providers and mission operations teams.
- You will contribute from early mission formulation and software architecture through implementation, integration, verification, launch preparation, and operations. As part of your role, you will:
- Provide technical guidance to junior engineers, researchers, and student teams.
- You are comfortable working across mission, spacecraft, avionics, payload, software, and operations domains. We are looking for someone with:
- Good knowledge of flight software suppliers.
- A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities. A motivated team sharing a passion for space, science, and engineering.
- Work across spacecraft, payload, robotics, autonomy, and distributed-system applications. We value diversity and sustainability
- We look forward to receiving your application by Wed Nov 4th, 2026 with: Job references (if available) and diplomas
Notes and original content
- This position is offered as a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension.
- Project background
- The Flight
- Job description
- You will contribute from early mission formulation and software architecture through implementation, integration, verification, launch preparation, and operations.
- As part of your role, you will:
- You are comfortable working across mission, spacecraft, avionics, payload, software, and operations domains.
- We are looking for someone with:
- A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities.
- A motivated team sharing a passion for space, science, and engineering.
Questions about this listing
What salary does ETH Zürich offer for this role?
ETH Zürich lists CHF 83'000 - 126'000 gross per year for this position in Zurich. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does ETH Zürich offer?
This listing is a fixed-term contract position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with ETH Zürich during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Zürich?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Zürich can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Zürich's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at ETH Zürich?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to ETH Zürich's original listing at jobs.ethz.ch, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
