About the job

Holt Executive Ltd is offering an exciting opportunity for a Software Validation & Verification Engineer to join a leading flight software team working on next-generation space missions, including orbital debris removal and satellite servicing projects that support space sustainability. The role involves ensuring the reliability, performance, and safety of onboard flight software for satellite missions through comprehensive verification and validation (V&V) processes. The engineer will design, implement, and automate test cases, review technical specifications and system documents (SRS, ICD, SDD), and develop robust test environments and simulators. Key responsibilities include collaborating across subsystem teams to define software requirements, identifying test equipment solutions, and contributing to technical reviews and knowledge sharing across projects. Candidates should have proven experience in designing and automating test cases for real-time embedded software, strong Python programming skills, familiarity with Git and modern development workflows, and a background in software validation for space systems using C/C++. A solid understanding of ECSS standards (particularly ECSS-E-ST-40C), communication protocols such as PUS, CCSDS, CAN, and SpaceWire, and the software development lifecycle is essential. Desirable skills include experience with RTOS platforms like VxWorks or RTEMS, Linux environments, shell scripting, CI/CD pipelines, UML, and familiarity with cFS frameworks or PowerPC architectures. The company offers a competitive salary range of £50,000–£80,000 per year, hybrid and flexible working options (including an optional 9/75 pattern), 25–28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, private healthcare, life insurance, long-term sick pay, relocation and visa sponsorship (where applicable), and a modern workspace that fosters innovation and collaboration. This is a unique opportunity to work with an international team on pioneering space technologies that are shaping the sustainable future of space exploration.