Embedded Software Test Engineer

D-Orbit is looking for a Embedded Software Test Engineer to join our Systems IVVQ team, based in Fino Mornasco, Italy.

In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of the software powering our spacecraft. Combining deep expertise in embedded software development and software verification, you will lead the design and development of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) satellite simulators, advanced test environments, and automated verification frameworks that support both embedded and high-performance space applications throughout the entire software lifecycle.

You will drive the evolution of our Verification and Validation infrastructure, enabling the simulation of new sensors and actuators, enhancing automated test capabilities, and improving the software delivery pipeline within a continuous integration environment. Working closely with Software, Systems, AIV, Flight Operations, and other engineering teams, you will contribute to the definition of testing strategies, support spacecraft integration and validation activities, and help deliver robust, mission-critical software for current and future space missions.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Architecture software design and development of HIL infrastructure components (e.g. satellite sensors and actuators mockups)

• Architecture design and debug maintenance of features including integration with software-in the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop test suites

• Test scenarios definitions against embedded software requirements

• Contribute to the entire application lifecycle, focusing on requirements verification and validation, debugging and integration of flight software with the flight hardware

• Preparation of flight software VandV technical documentation

• Contributing to the design and continuous improvement of the teams' processes, methodologies and test framework - Support to satellite AIV activities and HW production test

Key technical skills:

• 3 to 7 years of industry experience in embedded software development

• Proven ability to design, develop and deliver an application in any C-family (C/C++) languages

• Proven ability to design, develop and deliver an application in Python language

• Advanced experience in developing large distributed applications, using design patterns

• Advanced knowledge of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

• Advanced knowledge of any typical embedded communication interfaces such as RS232, RS485, SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet

• Good familiarity with Git versioning system or any similar DVCS

• Good familiarity with using any Linux based distribution and appreciation of application development

• Good familiarity with typical software development methodology and release versioning processes

• Experience in defining software system specifications and software requirements

• Experience in debugging embedded software using standard laboratory equipment

Other skills:

• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively

• Capability of working in autonomy

• Resilience and ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to work hard in a team setting to meet tight schedules

Nice-to-have skills:

• Understanding of SW design and testing lifecycle in regulated environment (ideally ECSS standard)

• Knowledge of real-time operating systems (such as RTEMS or FreeRTOS) and/or operating systems targeted for embedded applications (such as any embedded Linux)

• Experience using and configuring any common build tool chains or similar development environment (such as ANT, WAF, Makefile, Visual Studio etc.)

• Familiarity with OBDH and TMTC architectures used in space systems

Education:

Bachelor, or higher degree, in any relevant area such as software engineering, computer science, physics, automation engineering, electronic engineering, aerospace engineering.

Language:

This role requires professional proficiency in English.

We offer a base salary range of 40’000€ - 45’000€ gross per year for this role, depending on experience and location, plus a performance-based variable component. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, location, and internal consistency across comparable roles.

Additional Benefits

• Meal vouchers

• Variable compensation

• Wellhub platform, offering a wide range of fitness, wellness, and wellbeing services

• Serenis platform, including unlimited individual psychotherapy, nutrition, and coaching sessions

• Flexible working arrangements, including smart working options and flexible scheduling based on role and team requirements

Who we are Are you ready to take your career to new heights? At D-Orbit, we're pioneering the future of space logistics and transportation. Established in 2011, our company has been at the forefront of helping businesses unlock the full potential of the final frontier—profitably and sustainably.

As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside a diverse group of highly skilled individuals, all driven by a shared passion for innovation and excellence. So, if you are passionate about space and ready to take your ambition to new heights, join us in our global mission to push the boundaries of what's possible!

The D-Orbit Group, which includes Planetek Group, brings together complementary expertise in space logistics, Earth observation, geospatial solutions, and advanced space services.

Why join D-Orbit?

• Work on missions that shape the future of space

• International and multidisciplinary environment

• Flexible working model

• Opportunity to contribute directly to company growth

• High level of autonomy and ownership

Hiring Process: Here’s how our hiring process works—simple and straightforward:

• Application Review – We carefully review applications that match the key requirements of the role. If your profile is selected for the next stage, a member of our People & Culture team will contact you directly. We genuinely appreciate every application, even when there is not a match for the current opportunity.

• Introduction Call – A conversation with the People & Culture team to get to know each other, discuss the opportunity, and align expectations.

• Technical and Team Interviews – One or more interviews focused on the skills, experience, and approach relevant to the role.

• Offer – If there is a strong mutual fit, we will share an offer and discuss the next steps.

The exact process may vary depending on the role.

We aim to keep candidates informed throughout the process and appreciate your patience as we carefully evaluate applications.

We’re excited to get to know you and see if you might be the next person to help us shaping the future of space!

NON-EU applicants:

At this time, we can only consider candidates who already have the legal right to work in the country where the position is based.

Please note that this role requires a regular on-site presence and is not a fully remote position.

Some activities must be carried out in our facilities, many others are location-independent, and they can be performed effectively even remotely. This is why we don't measure the performance of people by how many hours they spend at the office: we only measure the outcome.

At D-Orbit, diversity and inclusivity are not just values, they are integral to our mission and the way we operate. We are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and celebrated for their unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only the right thing to do, but it also leads to better decision making, innovation, and overall success. We actively strive to build a culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work, and where all voices are heard and valued. We are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to share their ideas, and where everyone is given equal opportunities to grow and excel. We believe that our differences make us stronger, and we will continue to work diligently to create an inclusive culture at D-Orbit that reflects this belief.