Software Systems Engineer - OBC & Data Handling

Software Systems Engineer - OBC & Data Handling

About Satellogic

Satellogic is a vertically integrated Earth Observation company that designs, manufactures, and operates satellite systems, delivering decision-grade insights at scale to government and commercial customers.

We build space systems end-to-end, from satellite design and manufacturing to launch and on-orbit operations, giving us the ability to deploy quickly, operate reliably, and support persistent monitoring across regions and priority areas. Our approach moves customers beyond one-off imagery toward continuous awareness and alert-driven decision-making, with flexible pathways that can evolve from managed monitoring to full satellite ownership and sovereign control.

Our technology supports a wide range of use cases across climate monitoring, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, defense and intelligence, helping organizations detect change, manage risk, and plan with confidence.

With a team distributed across five countries, Satellogic brings together expertise in satellite engineering, software development, data science, manufacturing, operations, and go-to-market. We’re a group of purpose-driven builders who value ownership, curiosity, and execution—and who work with humility, honesty, and empathy.

About the team

The On-Board Computers & Data Handling (OBC & DH) team serves as Satellogic’s center of excellence for all on-board computing, internal networking, and data management infrastructure.

Our mission is to provide the critical computing platforms and software ecosystem that enable every Satellogic satellite to operate reliably and autonomously in orbit. We have end-to-end responsibility for platform computers, data handling, core operational services, and software integration across all subsystems.

The team is always learning and trying to push the limits, relying in part on the large diversity of people’s profiles and backgrounds.

About the position

As a Software Systems Engineer for OBC & Data Handling, you will be responsible for the technical integration, systemic consistency, and software lifecycle of the on-board computing and data handling subsystem.

In this role, you will bring a strong Systems Engineering mindset to translate operational objectives and mission requirements into technical software specifications, define subsystem interfaces, and manage system resources (processing budgets, memory, and data throughput). You will work in close coordination with the software development team, guiding the execution of software solutions without being responsible for day-to-day coding.

Based on your previous experience, you will serve as the technical bridge between software developers and other satellite subsystems, leading trade-off analyses, incorporating security considerations into the software ecosystem, and ensuring functional verification and on-orbit system health.

Responsibilities

• Requirements & Systems Engineering: Define, document, and trace software requirements for the OBC & DH subsystem throughout the project lifecycle.

• Technical Guidance & Coordination: Serve as the liaison between mission needs and the software development team, articulating requirements, guiding technical priorities, and coordinating deliveries with developers.

• System Budget Management: Monitor and optimize subsystem technical budgets related to software (computational capacity, memory usage, data throughput, and storage).

• Interface Definition & Interdisciplinary Coordination: Author and review software Interface Control Documents (ICDs) with other subsystems (AOCS, Comms, Thermal, Payloads) and ensure alignment between hardware, platform, and software.

• Security Integration (Software Security): Ensure the inclusion of security practices in the subsystem software ecosystem (data protection, access management, and system recovery/resilience mechanisms).

• Verification & Validation (V&V) Strategy: Define subsystem testing strategies at the software level and coordinate technical support during functional validation campaigns in the laboratory.

• Level 3 Troubleshooting: Lead root-cause analysis for systemic failures or complex software anomalies in orbiting satellites, driving operational fixes or adjustments for future design iterations.

• Technical Documentation: Present subsystem status at formal design reviews (PDR, CDR) and maintain up-to-date system documentation.

About you

Experience

• Degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Electronic/Telecommunications Engineering, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent experience in systems roles.

• 5+ years of experience in Systems Engineering or Systems Analysis roles applied to complex, multidisciplinary software/hardware projects.

• Proven experience coordinating technical aspects with software development teams, guiding requirements, and translating operational needs into engineering specifications.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Systems Engineering methodologies: requirements management, trade-off analysis, technical risk management, and interface management (ICDs).

• Practical knowledge or experience in software security concepts (data protection, command integrity, system resilience).

Skills

• Systems Thinking: Strong ability to evaluate the global impact of technical decisions, balance trade-offs, and understand how software interacts with the overall satellite platform.

• Solid technical understanding of C, C++, and Python: Sufficient technical background to review software designs, engage in deep technical discussions with developers, and validate proposed solutions.

• Knowledge of software and systems security: Understanding of authentication concepts, encryption, data integrity, and secure development practices.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills: Ability to coordinate developers, interact with specialists from other subsystems, and articulate technical solutions in both Spanish and English.

• Problem-solving capability: Strong analytical skills to diagnose complex system-level problems where standard precedents may not exist.

• Capacity to learn continuously and passion for pushing the limits.

• Advanced English proficiency levels (written and spoken).

Diversity Commitment 

Satellogic values diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. We are convinced that hiring and developing top talent from around the world for any given discipline will drive innovation, generate new solutions, and deliver a superior product to our global customer base. We work to build an equitable and inclusive environment in which all people, regardless of gender, race, religion, or background, can come together to do their best work.

Please feel free to specify your pronouns following your name on the application.

Learn more about Satellogic

To learn more about us please visit satellogic.com and follow us on twitter (@Satellogic) and LinkedIn

Applicant Data Privacy Statement

As part of your application you will be required to confirm Satellogic's Applicant Data Privacy Policy which is available for your review here.  

By applying to this position you express, affirmative consent to our collection of your name, address, email address, phone number and relevant application information and the processing of that information. It is important to understand that Satellogic will store your data for the purpose of processing your application for the position, and possibly other compatible positions.  You also understand that you have rights to access your Personal Data, as well as rights to request their rectification, completion, update or erasure. You may exercise your rights by sending an email to compliance@satellogic.com.

Consenting to our Applicant Data Privacy Policy is required in order for Satellogic to process your employment application.