Software Lead in London

Job description

About Us

This is a unique opportunity to join Exobotics, a company on a mission to transform the satellite industry. We’re building a world-class team of engineers and innovators to deliver next-generation satellite missions, projects that will shape the future of communication, exploration, and discovery in space.

As part of our small founding team, you will play a central role in developing mission-critical software and shaping the foundations of our long-term growth. You’ll work on some of the most challenging and exciting projects in the space sector, collaborating closely with exceptional engineers who share a passion for innovation, precision, and impact.

At Exobotics, we recruit top achievers who want to make a real difference, people driven by curiosity, excellence, and the ambition to redefine what satellites can do. Join us on this extraordinary adventure and help us build the future of space.

The Role

We are seeking a Software Engineering Lead who combines strong technical expertise with leadership and delivery experience. You will remain hands-on in coding and systems design, while also driving projects forward, building a team, and ensuring delivery to the demanding timelines of satellite missions.

This is a primarily on-site role (3–4 days per week in our West London office), where close collaboration with hardware and mission engineers is critical to delivering seamless integration and rapid iteration.

Key Responsibilities

• Hands-on Development: Design and implement satellite software, including real-time operating systems and embedded firmware.
• Leadership & Team Growth: Build, hire, and mentor a high-performing software team, establishing the engineering culture, processes, and technical direction needed to scale rapidly while instilling accountability and collaboration.
• Project Delivery: Own project outcomes from planning through to launch, consistently delivering high-quality software to strict deadlines.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct code reviews, testing, and validation to ensure mission reliability.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with hardware and mission design engineers for seamless system integration.
• Process & Scaling: Establish development practices and workflows that enable both rapid iteration and long-term scalability.

Qualifications

• A 2:1 Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
• 10+ years of software engineering experience with evidence of delivering complex projects under pressure and to strict deadlines. Including at least 3 years in a leadership role, with a track record of delivering complex projects under pressure. Experience scaling teams in start-up or fast-growth environments would be a plus. 
• Proven experience in leading teams or managing projects from concept to delivery.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++ and Python. Must be expert in at least one of these.
• Strong understanding of real-time operating systems and embedded firmware.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, schedule-driven environment.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Experience in highly regulated industries such as space, aerospace, defence, automotive, medical devices, fintech infrastructure, or other mission-critical domains is highly desirable. 
• Direct satellite experience is a plus but not essential.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, fast-paced environment at the forefront of the UK space sector.
• A rare opportunity to lead from the front: staying hands-on in coding while driving delivery and building a team.
• Significant autonomy and influence on both technology and culture.
• Professional growth and leadership opportunities as the company scales.
• Competitive salary (up to £200,000) and benefits package, aligning long-term incentives with company success.
• A leadership role with the opportunity to grow into a Director/VP of Software position as the company scales and expands internationally.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

06-11-2025

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English