TECHNICAL TEAM LEAD (Embedded systems - FLIGHT SOFTWARE
Lead the code that flies in space.
My client is building spacecraft flight software that runs real missions in real orbit - and they're now looking for a Technical Team Lead to guide the engineers writing it.
This is a hands-on leadership role. You won't be "managing from the sidelines."
You'll design systems, review architecture, mentor engineers and still write mission-critical code that leaves Earth.
What you'll lead
You'll own the technical direction, quality and delivery of spacecraft flight software:
Set technical direction and architecture for embedded flight software systems
Lead design reviews, code reviews and software standards
Remain hands-on in C and embedded development
Drive software quality, testing strategies and CI/CD practices
Mentor and grow a team of embedded and flight software engineers
Work closely with hardware, systems and operations teams
Own technical risk, interface definition and system-level decisions
Improve engineering workflows, documentation and development processes
You'll be the technical anchor - the person people turn to when the problem is hard, safety-critical or cross-disciplinary.
What you'll bring
Strong C and embedded systems background Java an added bonus
Experience leading technical design and mentoring engineers
Deep understanding of real-time systems, multitasking and low-level hardware
Confident working with microcontrollers (ARM Cortex-M class preferred)
Experience diagnosing and resolving complex system-level faults
Excellent communication skills - you can explain deep technical decisions clearly
Ownership mindset and ability to shape engineering culture
Bonus points if you've worked with
FreeRTOS, RTEMS or other RTOS platforms
Embedded Linux / Yocto / systemd / BusyBox
Python, Java or automation scripting
CI/CD pipelines, Docker, GitLab or DevOps tooling
Spacecraft, robotics, aerospace, automotive or safety-critical environments
Why this role stands out
Your team's code flies in space
You define architecture, standards and technical direction
You still build - this is a technical leadership role, not a people-only role
You shape the engineering culture of a growing space organisation
You'll work on complete spacecraft, not isolated components
This is your chance to lead the engineers who write software that leaves the planet.
