Ground Segment Software Developer (UK or LUX)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: London, London, City of, United Kingdom, Hybrid

At ClearSpace, we believe in reusability, in affordability driving disruption, and that no progress is real unless it is sustainable.

Our company was founded in 2018 out of the realization that in-orbit servicing and space debris removal are vital services for the future of space exploration and operations. Today ClearSpace has assembled an expert engineering team and is leading the way toward sustainable space operations. From a garage in Switzerland, we now operate across UK and Europe, and are working with world-leading institutions and companies to bring our dream of a sustainable space ecosystem to life.

We are looking for a Ground Segment DevOps Engineer in the UK or in Luxembourg to join ClearSpace. Our Ground Segment Team provide the digital backbone that enables safe, reliable, and autonomous space operations. As part of this team, you’ll play a pivotal role in designing, building, and operating the infrastructure that supports mission‑critical services — from development all the way through to live operations in space.

The Role

The Ground Segment Software Developer will design, implement, and maintain mission-critical software used in spacecraft monitoring and commanding. This includes extending and operating the Mission Control System (MCS), implementing mission data flows, and building automation that enhances operational efficiency. You will work across
ClearSpace’s Mission Operations subsystems, contributing directly to the success of on-orbit activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Mission Control System (MCS), ensuring reliability, performance, and alignment with mission requirements.
• Implement new Ground Segment software modules in Java and Python.
• Support development of Mission Operations subsystems such as:
  • CFDP‑based file management chains
  • Automated ingestion and archiving of image and binary data
  • Workflow automation for telemetry processing and command preparation
• Work with system engineers to ensure requirements traceability and robust technical design.
• Debug and optimise critical Ground Segment services for operational readiness.
• Write documentation, configuration files, and operational guidelines to support long‑term maintenance.
• Collaborate in technical reviews, design discussions, and mission readiness activities
  
  

Must Have

• Strong proficiency in Java and Python.
• Good understanding of software engineering principles, testing, and documentation.
• Experience developing distributed or mission critical systems.
• Familiarity with Linux environments and standard development toolchains.
  
  
  

Nice to have

• Experience with SQL databases, schema design, or interfacing data layers with operational systems.
• Knowledge of Ground Segment TM/TC chains, particularly CCSDS standards including:
  • CFDP (File Delivery Protocol)
  • PUS (Packet Utilisation Standard) services
• Understanding of telemetry processing, command pipelines, or mission control architectures.

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