Senior C++ Engineer - Satellite Real-Time Control Systems

Role highlights:

• Senior C++ Engineer – Satellite Real-Time Control Systems
• Location: Espoo, Finland
• Department: Engineering
• Reports to: Engineering Lead, AOCS Software
• Employment type: Permanent
• Workplace model: Hybrid
• Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required)

Why this role matters:

As a Senior C++ Engineer – Satellite Real-Time Control Systems, you’ll develop and operate real-time embedded software that powers ICEYE’s growing SAR satellite constellation. Every radar image, collision-avoidance manoeuvre, and customer mission relies on deterministic, high-performance software deployed continuously to satellites operating in unforgiving orbital dynamics.

Your work will directly enable first responders to map floods, insurers to assess damage, and scientists to measure a changing planet. In this role, microseconds matter and every line of code has a direct, global impact from space.

Who We Are

ICEYE delivers space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to governments and allied nations. This includes sovereign and turnkey ISR missions leveraging ICEYE’s world-leading synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, as well as access to data from the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation. These capabilities enable partners to detect and respond to critical changes anywhere on Earth with unprecedented speed and accuracy, day or night and in any weather, supported by ultra high-resolution imagery and high-frequency revisits.

As a trusted partner for defense, intelligence, security, and maritime domain awareness, ICEYE’s near real-time data creates a tactical advantage for mission-critical operations. Designed for dual use, the platform also serves civil protection and commercial users for natural-catastrophe intelligence, insurance, maritime monitoring including oil-spill detection, and finance, contributing to global security and community resilience.

ICEYE is headquartered in Finland and operates globally across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. We have more than 900 employees, united by a shared vision: improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation.

Your day-to-day responsibilities

• Write and optimize modern C++ code that meets strict determinism and latency budgets for safe and precise on-orbit execution
• Build and own the software layer that bridges sensors, actuators, and control algorithms including deterministic loops, telemetry pipelines, and on-orbit autonomy
• Drive quality across the full development lifecycle from requirements and design to HIL and MIL testing, launch, and on-orbit support
• Collaborate with GNC, electronics, ground segment, and mission operations engineers to debug, iterate, and improve system performance
• Lead architecture evolution as the fleet and use cases grow by refactoring, optimizing, and introducing new technologies where they add value
• Investigate anomalies by deep-diving into flight telemetry, reproducing issues on the ground, and rolling out fixes that keep the constellation healthy

What we’re looking for

Must haves:

• Strong experience writing modern C++ with a clear understanding of production-quality code
• Proven track record of delivering real-time control software for autonomous or safety-critical systems such as satellites, drones, robotics, or automotive systems
• Solid understanding of hard real-time constraints, latency budgeting, and deterministic behaviour
• Experience interfacing with sensors and actuators in embedded Linux environments
• Strong engineering practices including rigorous testing, CI/CD, and clear documentation
• Ownership mindset across the full software lifecycle from concept to on-orbit maintenance
• Clear communicator who collaborates effectively across multidisciplinary teams

Nice to haves:

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop and model-in-the-loop testing
• Experience supporting software in operational or mission-critical environments
• Familiarity with satellite GNC or space systems

Application Process

• Talent Attraction screening
• Hiring Manager interview
• Task and Technical interview
• On-site technical workshop
• On-site behavioural interview

Working at ICEYE

At ICEYE, you’ll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win.

How We Work (Our Values)

Make the impossible possible: We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way.

• Be curious: Go deep, ask questions, listen carefully, and think critically. Understand the why behind decisions.
• See the big picture: Stay close to what’s happening across the company so you can make better decisions. Consider how your work affects others.
• Drive effective teamwork: Create psychological safety, invite different perspectives, and build inclusive teams. There are no bad questions.
• Act as one team: We win together. We match tasks to the right owner and stay agile as priorities shift.
• Have fun: What we do matters and it should be enjoyable. Celebrate progress, take pride in results, and share the wins.

Benefits

Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing, at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Acquisition will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table.

We’re committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us and we will do our best to help.

Apply now to start your ICEYE journey and help us continue to make the impossible possible together. Read more about ICEYE and working with us at iceye.com.