Application Guide

How to Apply for Embedded Flight Software Engineer

at constellr

🏢 About constellr

constellr is pioneering space-based climate monitoring with a focus on land surface temperature (LST) data, enabling precise agricultural and environmental insights. As a remote-first team in Germany, they offer flexibility while tackling one of the most critical challenges of our time—understanding Earth's thermal dynamics from orbit.

About This Role

As an Embedded Flight Software Engineer, you will architect and implement the brain of constellr's satellite constellation, directly impacting mission success. Your work on FDIR, hardware interfaces, and in-orbit updates will ensure reliable data collection for climate science, making every line of code count toward a sustainable future.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a stand-up to discuss progress on the FDIR module, followed by writing C++ code for a new hardware interface driver. After lunch, you'd run unit tests and simulations, then debug a CAN bus issue using an oscilloscope. The day ends with documenting your design decisions for the architecture review.

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🎯 Who constellr Is Looking For

  • A software engineer with 4+ years of experience in safety-critical or aerospace systems, comfortable with Python and C++ for both prototyping and production code.
  • Someone who has hands-on experience with low-level hardware interfaces like CAN and Camera Link, and can debug issues at the intersection of software and electronics.
  • A systems thinker who can contribute to onboard architecture and FDIR strategies, not just implement features but design for fault tolerance and reliability.
  • A remote collaborator who communicates clearly in writing and can work asynchronously with a distributed team while staying aligned on mission-critical milestones.

📝 Tips for Applying to constellr

1

Highlight any experience with satellite flight software, even from academic projects or internships—constellr values domain-specific knowledge.

2

In your resume, explicitly mention your familiarity with FDIR (Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery) and provide a concrete example of how you designed or implemented it.

3

Tailor your cover letter to show passion for climate tech and how your embedded systems skills directly enable LST monitoring.

4

If you have open-source contributions or a GitHub portfolio, include links to projects involving embedded systems or real-time operating systems.

5

Mention any experience with software updates in orbit (e.g., OTA updates) or validation/verification processes for space-grade software.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience with low-level interfaces (CAN, Camera Link) and how you've used them in embedded systems.", 'A concrete example of designing for reliability in a constrained environment (e.g., radiation hardening, memory management, fault tolerance).', "Your motivation for working in climate tech and how constellr's mission aligns with your career goals.", 'Your ability to work remotely and collaborate across time zones, with examples of successful distributed project delivery.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about constellr's mission and their specific LST products—understand how their satellites track temperature and why it matters for agriculture.
  • → Study their technical blog or any public talks about their satellite architecture (e.g., use of CubeSat platforms, onboard processing).
  • → Look into the regulatory environment for German space companies and any partnerships constellr has with ESA or DLR.
  • → Familiarize yourself with common embedded RTOS used in space (e.g., FreeRTOS, RTEMS) and how they handle real-time constraints.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with FDIR: walk through a fault scenario you designed for and how you tested it.
2 How would you implement a bootloader for in-orbit software updates? Discuss trade-offs between safety and flexibility.
3 Explain how you'd debug a CAN bus communication issue between two satellite subsystems.
4 What is your approach to writing testable embedded code, especially for hardware-in-the-loop testing?
5 How do you handle memory constraints in C++ for space applications? Give an example of optimizing memory usage.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus only on web or app development experience; this role is purely embedded systems—avoid irrelevant projects.
  • Avoid vague statements like 'I love space' without showing technical depth in flight software or FDIR.
  • Don't neglect to mention your experience with C++ and Python together; many candidates overemphasize one language.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to constellr!

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