Quality Assurance Engineer (Software & Satellite Operations)

• We are seeking a skilled and motivated Software Quality Engineer to join our Mission Assurance team
• This role sits at the intersection where software quality meets in-orbit operations, offering the opportunity to drive the operational performance of a satellite constellation
• The role has two facets, you will own software quality assurance activities across the development lifecycle and also provide quality oversight to the team operating our constellation of satellites during commissioning, operations, and anomaly response
• As the company implements its development roadmap, the distinction between these two aspects will blur with satellite operations increasingly transitioning to automated AI/ML tools to manage the fleet
• This is a broad remit, so previous experience in both areas is not required. For example, a strong software QA background in a demanding industry (e.g. banking, medical, defence) will likely also have developed the analytical mindset needed to investigate on orbit issues
• You will work closely with a fantastic team of software engineers, systems engineers, technical experts and spacecraft operators to ensure that our software and satellites are fit for purpose and that deviations from expected behaviour are understood, reported, assessed, and resolved with sound engineering judgment
• Define and maintain software QA processes, standards, and acceptance criteria for onboard and ground segment software across the full development lifecycle
• Ensure that software verification and validation activities are comprehensive and correctly executed
• Ensure the Software Development Lifecycle meets applicable quality requirements and standards
• Where situations require deviation from defined process, ensure that this is performed safely and in a controlled manner
• Raise, track, and manage non-conformances, ensuring corrective and preventive actions are identified and implemented effectively
• Ensure risks are identified, evaluated and communicated effectively to the project and management team
• Ensure that the software configuration baseline is maintained throughout development and mission lifetimes
• Confirm all software releases are reviewed and compliant to standards
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with applicable standards (e.g. ISO 29110, ECSS-Q-ST-80, ECSS-E-ST-40, or equivalent)
• Provide Mission Assurance support to satellite operations, especially during critical mission phases such as Checkout and Commissioning, In-Orbit Verification and anomaly response
• Lead and contribute to anomaly investigations, root cause analyses, and failure review boards, ensuring findings are well-documented and lessons are captured
• Ensure the mission impact of anomalies is assessed and operational workarounds, corrective actions and recovery steps are appropriate
• Identify links between incidents and coordinate response to common anomalies across the fleet
• Ensure lessons learned are fed back to satellite development teams using non-conformance and corrective action processes
• Liaise with software development, systems engineering and satellite operations teams to continually improve satellite operations tooling, improving Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR), increasing automation and raising the availability of the satellite fleet through transition to AI/ML based systems
• Serve as the mission assurance interface to the operations team, software engineers, and systems engineers during anomaly investigations and resolution

Benefits

• Name your own satellite: Be remembered throughout time by choosing a name for a LEMUR satellite.
• Family Leave: Family is important. Our parental and family leave is designed to let you make the most of those precious moments.
• Learning & development: Spire more than encourages and supports ongoing personal improvement and a growth mindset, we welcome it!
• Launch Attendance: One of the perks from launching satellites into space is that Spire often has VIP access to view the launch.
• Generous time off policy: Take the time you need. Our flexible time-off policy promotes a positive work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our EAP makes sure you have access to support and counseling sessions whenever you need it.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP): Our ESPP provides eligible employees with an opportunity to purchase Spire shares through accumulated contributions.
• Fitness Reimbursement: Spire encourages fitness activity to promote employee well-being with reimbursed gym membership expenses.
• Employee Referral Program: Spire is always looking for outstanding people to join our team, and you can help and be awarded a referral bonus.
• Healthy snacks & beverages: To help our employees to be as productive as possible, we provide healthy snacks and beverages in each of our offices.- The ideal candidate combines a rigorous, process-driven approach to software quality with an analytical mindset and operational awareness to allow them to ensure on-orbit anomalies are investigated and resolved effectively
• 3+ years of experience in a software QA, systems engineering, or mission assurance role within a highly regulated industry (e.g. aerospace, defence, banking, medical)
• Understanding of software development lifecycles (Agile and/or waterfall) and associated QA activities
• BSc or MEng in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Clear and concise communicator, able to present technical findings to diverse audiences including management and non-specialist stakeholders
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g. Git) and issue tracking tools
• Proven track record of contributing to investigations and fault finding of complex systems
• Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying
• Experience working with FMEA, FDIR, hazard analysis, or other dependability and safety analysis methods
• Experience with failure review boards or anomaly resolution in an operational setting
• Experience with satellite operations or ground segment software in an operational environment
• Experience supporting LEOP, commissioning, or in-orbit validation activities
• Background in configuration management in a regulated engineering environment
• Knowledge of relevant standards such as ISO 29110, ECSS-Q-ST-80, ECSS-E-ST-40, or DO-178C
• Proficiency in scripting or data analysis for telemetry analysis