Engineering Lead - Orbit Control Software

Who are we?

ICEYE is the global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, revolutionizing Earth observation with real-time, all-weather, day-and-night imaging. As the owner and operator of the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, we provide critical insights that empower industries like maritime, disaster management, insurance, and finance to make informed decisions.

Headquartered in Finland, with a presence in five international locations, our diverse team of 600+ experts from nearly 60 countries shares a bold mission: to enhance life on Earth by delivering reliable, data-driven solutions. At ICEYE, we foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, and collaboration, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space technology to solve the world’s toughest challenges.

Why Join ICEYE?

At ICEYE, we’re not just launching satellites, we’re redefining what’s possible with SAR technology. Join a team of passionate innovators solving real-world challenges and making a tangible impact. We foster a dynamic and inclusive environment where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly matter. With continuous learning opportunities, cutting-edge projects, and collaboration with industry-leading experts, you'll have the chance to grow, innovate, and shape the future of Earth Observation.

Why this role?

ICEYE operates the world’s largest commercial SAR constellation and is the leading company delivering full systems to customers across the world . Your mission is to keep it flying perfectly. You’ll lead a small, empowered team that blends orbital mechanics with modern software engineering, turning algorithms into customer-visible impact every week.

What you’ll do

- Lead & mentor and staff a cross-functional squad of flight-dynamics and software engineers; set direction, unblock execution, and grow talent.

- Own the orbit-control roadmap - repeat ground-track, orbital-tube control, collision avoidance, formation flying - building the right tools and choosing the right tech and tactics to keep the fleet on station and enable customer to succeed with their operations.

- Design and ship software for maneuver planning, orbit determination, and on-orbit automation. We code primarily in Python and deploy through CI/CD to a Kubernetes-based ground segment.

- Prioritize ruthlessly & deliver: translate mission goals into clear, testable milestones; maintain a healthy backlog; drive releases that reach operations continuously.

- Collaborate widely with mission operations, payload, analytics, and ground-systems teams to make sure orbit solutions align with customer needs.

Requirements

About you

- At heart, you are a SW engineer who is comfortable diving deep into code (Python, C++), knows how to lead architecting and delivering SW in fast paced environments, but can take care for disciplines like testing, releasing, deployment and observability. 

- You have made or want to make the transition from individual contributor to an engineering leader with higher leverage impact but keep software engineering close.

- Experienced in engineering leadership - leading projects or small software teams, setting technical direction, supporting engineers’ growth.

- You’ve built and operated complex systems that include SW and HW together. If those are mission-analysis tools or flight dynamics systems, great, but your experience might be also outside of the space domain. Key is in having a background with building and operating complex systems. 

- Clear communicator who can work across complex technical topics, some might be new to you, ranging from deep orbital dynamics to how to build the right scalable software system. 

Nice to have

- Experience with space specific concepts such as formation-flying, constellation management, Low-thrust maneuvers or any similar. 

ICEYE is committed to building an inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you’re excited about solving real-world problems at the intersection of space and software, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

What’s In It for You?

• A job that matters in a dynamic Earth Observation environment with a scale-up approach

• An independent role with a supportive and diverse work environment

• Occupational healthcare, occupational and accident insurance

• A yearly benefit budget to spend as you wish (i.e. on sport, transport, bike benefit, wellness, lunch, etc.)

• Phone subscription with iPhone of choice

• Relocation support (i.e. flight tickets, accommodation, relocation agency support)

• Time for self-development, research, training, conferences, or certification schemes

• Inspiring and collaborating offices and silent workspaces enable you to focus

• A wide variety of the best coffee, tea, snacks, and sweets to accompany your daily space mission

• Competitive salary contingent on your experience level, and will be negotiated individually

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At ICEYE, diversity is more than just a value - it's our greatest strength. We’re dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every voice is not only heard but celebrated. Diverse perspectives drive innovation and creativity, so we actively seek individuals from all backgrounds and experiences.

No matter your background, we encourage you to bring your authentic self to the team. Join us and be part of a workplace where differences are embraced and valued, because together, we’re stronger.

Apply now to begin your ICEYE journey and help us make the impossible possible.

Learn more about ICEYE and life at our company at iceye.com.

Ready to launch your career? Apply now and help us build the future of Space Tech! 🚀