Lead Software Engineer (SmallSats)

Founded in 2006, AVS Added Value Solutions is a leading high-tech engineering company with 20 years of experience delivering complex, pivotal projects across Fusion Energy, Scientific Innovation, Particle Accelerators, and Space.

Our track record includes three proprietary LUR-family satellites currently in orbit, which have successfully demonstrated the maturity of our platform architecture, subsystems, and LEO operations. Building on this flight heritage, we leverage our modular LUR-100 platform to support demanding institutional missions, including the ESA ARRAKIHS project and the development of the Canary Islands Satellite Constellation (Constelación Canaria).

To drive these ambitious initiatives forward, we are currently scaling our Space Division to advance our SmallSat capabilities.

About the Role

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will oversee and guide our software department, taking ownership of the software and firmware architectures that power our satellite missions and ground segment infrastructure.

You will bridge between mission goals and technical execution, leading the lifecycle of our Flight Software (FSW) and Ground Software (GSW). Beyond technical leadership, you will play a central role in our strategic decisions, helping to define the future of our modular satellite platforms and supporting our growth across the space and science sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and expand the AVS Software team. Manage the software delivery lifecycle (scoping, resources, and budget) while coordinating with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
• Act as the primary technical authority for FSW, promoting best practices and balancing systems-level vision with hands‑on code execution.
• Direct the design, development, and testing of FSW/GSW; develop robust CI/CD infrastructure.
• Define software development standards to ensure compliance with space‑industry protocols and internal quality benchmarks.
• Cross‑collaboration with other departments to provide software‑level expertise to Systems Engineering, AIV (Assembly, Integration, and Verification), and Operations teams.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and recognize that great talent comes from various paths. If you meet most of the following criteria, we encourage you to apply:

• Comfortable operating in a lean, fast‑paced SME or compact team environment where resourcefulness, pragmatism, and hands‑on problem‑solving are essential.
• Strong hands‑on experience in embedded software. You are someone who thrives on the practical side of engineering: coding, troubleshooting, and validating systems in real‑world scenarios.
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++, Linux/RTOS environments, and low‑level interface protocols (e.g., CAN, UART, I2C, SPI).
• Practical experience with Linux environments, build automation (Git, Jenkins), and Agile project management (Jira).
• In‑depth knowledge or practical experience in Avionics and FDIR related aspects.
• Ideally 8+ years of relevant experience, with a proven track record in a leading or mentoring role.
• Comfortable interacting directly with customers, including both institutional and commercial stakeholders.
• University degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

We Offer

• We can hire talent based in either Spain (our primary location) or the UK.
• You will enjoy a flexible hybrid working setup from your local country, collaborating closely with our international teams across borders.
• We support a healthy lifestyle with flexible working hours and opportunities for temporary mobile work abroad
• A welcoming onboarding process designed to set you up for success, including the assignment of a dedicated "buddy" during your first few months.

• Work Eligibility: Candidates must hold EU/UK citizenship or a valid full work permit for Spain/UK. We are strictly unable to provide visa sponsorship for these positions, and we can currently only consider applicants with an existing right to work in the country.
• Work Model: Some activities must be carried out on‑site at our facilities, while others are location‑independent and can be performed effectively in a hybrid or remote setup.