lead software validation engineer

• Bilbao
• Posted 3 hours ago

Drive the testing strategy that ensures mission-critical software reliability

At SATLANTIS, we design advanced optical and space technologies with one purpose: solving global challenges from above. From our headquarters in Leioa (Bizkaia, Spain), we lead innovation in high-resolution payloads, embedded systems, and mission-critical software that operates in real space environments.

We are now offering the opportunity to join our Software Production team as a Lead Software Validation Engineer, where you will define, develop, and execute the software testing strategy that guarantees the performance, safety, and operational integrity of our payload and embedded software. This role combines technical expertise with team leadership, giving you ownership of an area that directly impacts mission success.

• High-impact leadership: You will lead the validation strategy for software running on space payloads, ensuring reliability and operational success across all mission phases.
• Challenging and diverse engineering: You will work across embedded systems, automated testing, integration, production monitoring, and cross-team coordination, with direct influence over tools, processes, and technical decisions.
• Growth and autonomy: You will shape the evolution of the Software Validation area, guide a growing team, and have the trust to implement improvements that raise quality and efficiency.
• Flexible working hours: You will manage your schedule within a culture of autonomy, responsibility, and results.
• Private health insurance: You will have access to comprehensive medical coverage that supports your wellbeing.
• Dynamic and collaborative environment: You will join a multidisciplinary team where learning, innovation, and precision are part of everyday work.
• Campus benefits: You will work at the UPV/EHU campus in Leioa, surrounded by research, facilities, and a vibrant technical community.

As a Lead Software Validation Engineer, your purpose will be to establish and maintain the testing architecture that ensures all payload and embedded software performs reliably under the demanding conditions of space. Your work will define the standards, tools, and methodologies that guide how SATLANTIS validates software, ensuring mission readiness and long-term performance.

You will also lead and mentor the Software Validation team, coordinate with engineering groups across the company, and take part in strategic decisions that improve quality, speed, and robustness of our production workflows.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• You will lead the design, development, and evolution of SATLANTIS' software testing and validation strategy, setting standards and methodologies for payload and embedded software.
• You will build, maintain, and oversee automated testing frameworks and validation tools that improve efficiency, repeatability, and mission reliability.
• You will manage and guide the team responsible for software validation, ensuring tasks are executed on time, supporting their growth, and maintaining strong alignment with company objectives.

• Strong foundations in software testing and automation: Your experience with Python, Bash, and automated testing workflows will enable you to design robust validation environments and optimize system behaviour across missions.
• Understanding of embedded systems and hardware-related software: Your background with embedded platforms and technologies such as Raspberry Pi, ESP32, or Arduino will help you validate how software interacts with real hardware conditions.
• Experience with database technologies: InfluxDB, or SQL-based systems will support deeper debugging, traceability, and advanced monitoring capabilities. Familiarity with C/C++ is a plus
• Leadership in technical environments: Your ability to coordinate, motivate, and guide a technical team will ensure clarity, execution, and continuous improvement in the Software Validation area.
• Analytical mindset and problem-solving ability: Your structured, proactive approach will allow you to anticipate risks, detect anomalies early, and maintain high standards of reliability.
• Fluency in English: Clear written and spoken communication will enable collaboration in international contexts and participation in technical reviews.
• Willingness to travel: Availability for travel will support integration, testing campaigns, and mission-related activities when required.

Ready to take your next step in the space industry?

If you want to lead the strategy that ensures the reliability of mission-critical software, enjoy building validation tools and processes, and are driven by the challenge of developing software that operates beyond Earth, apply now and join SATLANTIS in advancing the future of space systems.