Embedded & Flight Software Engineer – Space Robotics

Location: Torino, Italy (On-site)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: As soon as available

ABOUT KURS ORBITAL
Kurs Orbital is an Italian startup that aims to democratise in-orbit servicing and space logistics markets with its innovative ARCap module. ARCap is a standardised rendezvous module that can enable any spacecraft to autonomously perform rendezvous and docking manoeuvres, even with non-cooperative targets. The system integrates robotic manipulators, RADAR, LiDAR, and machine vision sensors to perform safe and autonomous docking for LEO and GEO missions.
We are now recruiting a software engineer to join our core development team and be responsible for the development of low-level and application-level software for the ARCAP embedded system.

RESPONSIBILITIES
You will be responsible for developing embedded and instrument application code running on a radiation-tolerant processing system (Xilinx SoC-based), integrated into a high-performance, real-time robotics module.

Your role will include:
EMBEDDED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
- Write real-time C/C++ code for ARM-based SoCs
- Configure and develop bare-metal and/or RTOS-based systems (e.g., RTEMS)
- Develop device drivers for communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, SpaceWire, Ethernet)
- Optimize low-level routines for deterministic execution and resource efficiency

INSTRUMENT APPLICATION CODE
- Implement mid-level application logic for sensors (RADAR, MV, LiDAR) or robotic actuators control.
- Integrate with hardware abstraction layers and manage timing, synchronization, and data flow

INTEGRATION & VERIFICATION
- Perform on-target debugging, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and support bench-level integration
- Write unit tests and participate in functional and performance validation
- Contribute to software qualification and ECSS-based documentation

Requirements

TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Proficient in C/C++, with understanding of embedded constraints
- Experience with ARM architecture
- Experience with RTOS application development
- Understanding of embedded communication protocols and low-level driver development
- Experience integrating software with sensors or robotic actuators in real-time

PREFERRED SKILLS
- Proficiency in Python
- Experience with Xilinx MPSoCs, including Vivado, Vitis and PetaLinux.
- Experience with FPGA integration
- Experience with GPU integration
- Experience with machine learning algorithms integration
- Experience with distributed modular architecture systems (DiMA)
- Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT patch)
- Experience with integrating GNC algorithms
- Prior involvement in space or safety-critical systems (DO-178C, ECSS-E-ST-40C, etc.)
- Understanding of timing budgets, watchdog design
- Knowledge of ROS 2, DDS, or middleware stacks for modular application design is a plus

SOFT SKILLS
- Autonomy, rigor, and structured development practices
- Capable of understanding and implementing formal technical requirements
- Team player with the ability to work cross-functionally with HW, avionics, and system engineers


EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Master's degree in Embedded Systems, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or similar
- 2+ years of experience in embedded software development (space, automotive, or robotics sectors preferred)
- Proficiency in English required (spoken, written, and across various contexts)

TOOLS & ENVIRONMENT
- Development tools: Git, GDB, Python (for scripting & testing)
- Platforms: Xilinx Vitis, Vivado, QEMU
- Standards: ECSS, MISRA-C (desirable), DO-178C (optional)
- Collaboration: GitLab CI/CD

Classification offered

- Permanent contract, full-time, CCNL (National Collective Labour Contract) Telecommunications
- End-to-end involvement in critical system design, from early development to flight qualification
- Hands-on experience in hardware integration, with direct interface to avionics and robotics in our lab
- A young, dynamic and international environment
- A chance to shape the future of autonomous space robotics operations

References

Inviate il vostro CV, un portfolio di codici embedded/strumentali rilevanti o descrizioni di progetti, e una breve lettera di motivazione a: contact@kursorbital.com
Oggetto: Application – Embedded SW Engineer

Send your CV, portfolio of relevant embedded/instrument code or project descriptions, and a short motivation letter to: contact@kursorbital.com
Subject: Application – Embedded SW Engineer

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