Space Software Engineer
Fluid Wire Robotics
flexible hoursfreelance / permanentmedior/seniorpermanentStartup / ScaleupJob Description
Role Snapshot
You’ll build the flight software that makes Fluid Wire robotic manipulators operate autonomously and safely in orbit. You’ll anchor the software stack for the 2028 in-orbit demonstration funded by the EIC Accelerator, spanning embedded control, APIs, and mission TM/TC. You’ll work in the Space Division in Pisa with hardware at hand, shaping interfaces that let mechatronics and flight systems perform as one
Key Responsibilities
- Define and own the robot API architecture for the payload, enabling reliable command, telemetry, and cross-team integration
- Design and implement flight and platform software for the IOD mission, from control and monitoring to data handling
- Lead spacecraft integration, aligning with ECSS and mission requirements, and managing ground to space TM/TC links
- Implement simulation and HIL testing, automate verification, and iterate from lab prototypes to flight models
- Collaborate in system engineering and mission planning, translating requirements into software and test plans
- Drive software reliability and performance through code reviews, CI, and fault management strategies
What You Bring
Technical Toolkit
- C, C++, RTOS, embedded Linux, CMake, Git
- ECSS software standards, TM/TC concepts, FDIR, timing and determinism
- Interfaces and buses: USART, SPI, I2C, CAN, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553
- Space and network protocols: CCSDS, PUS, TCP, UDP, Ethernet
- Simulation, HIL, unit and integration testing
Professional Experience
- Deliver flight software on space-grade hardware, from prototype to flight model deployment
- Architect robust APIs for robotic or embedded systems, ensuring traceability and maintainability
- Integrate with spacecraft avionics and ground segments, owning uplink, downlink, and telemetry pipelines
- Partner with mechanical and electronics teams to achieve system-level performance under mission constraints
Nice-to-have
- Robotics software for manipulators or legged systems, motion control, state estimation
- EtherCAT, CANopen, DDS or similar middleware for real-time distributed systems
- Experience in harsh environment autonomy or remote operations
Languages
- English - B2 (must have)
- Italian - C1 (must have)
Benefits
- Flexible working hours
- Salary review on regular basis (at least yearly)
- Transport and meal allowance
Space Software Engineer
Fluid Wire Robotics
- Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- 40,000€ - 50,000€ RAL, based on seniority
- Freelancer, Permanent contract
- Full-time (40h/week)
- Medior, Senior
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Fluid Wire Robotics
Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
Fluid Wire Robotics is a robotics startup developing advanced systems for extreme environments such as space, subsea, and nuclear. As a spin-off from Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, the company blends academic research with practical engineering to build reliable, high-performance robotic solutions. With a long-term vision to serve the aerospace, defense, and energy sectors, Fluid Wire Robotics is positioning itself as a core technology partner for mission-critical field applications.
- Company Size: 1-20 employees
- Company Type: Startup / Scaleup
- Industries: B2B, design engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, HW development, mechanical engineering, project management, R&D, SW development