Engineering Lead - Orbit Control Software

Who We Are

ICEYE delivers space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to governments and allied nations. This includes sovereign and turnkey ISR missions leveraging ICEYE’s world-leading synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, as well as access to data from the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation. These capabilities enable partners to detect and respond to critical changes anywhere on Earth with unprecedented speed and accuracy – day or night and in any weather, supported by ultra high-resolution imagery and high-frequency revisits.

As a trusted partner for defense, intelligence, security, and maritime domain awareness, ICEYE’s near real-time data creates a tactical advantage for mission-critical operations. Designed for dual use, the platform also serves civil protection and commercial users for natural-catastrophe intelligence, insurance, maritime monitoring (including oil-spill detection), and finance, contributing to global security and community resilience.

ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, Japan, the UAE, Greece, and the US. The company has more than 900 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation.

The Mission

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.

Expected Outcomes & Requirements

Outcomes:

• 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

• 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. 

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

Key Competences

In addition to the requirements above, we evaluate candidates on these key qualities throughout the hiring process:

• Intellectual Firepower: Rapidly comprehends, structures and synthesizes complex information, draws accurate conclusions, and communicates them with clarity.

• Passion & Work Ethic: Brings sustained motivation, resilience, and high personal standards to every challenge.

• Ownership & Action: Assumes full accountability for outcomes, acting decisively, and ensuring commitments are delivered.

• Team Player: Works collaboratively across teams, contributing to shared success, and engaging in constructive debate.

• Integrity & Growth Mindset: Operates with transparency and humility, learns from setbacks, and actively seeks opportunities to grow.

Application Process

1. Interview with Talent Attraction Partner (Video)

2. Interview with Hiring Manager (Video)

3. Take home task/assignment

4. Technical Interview (Video)

5. Final Interviews (Onsite)

Benefits

What We Offer at ICEYE

At ICEYE, you will join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. We know that we will succeed only through exceptional people in our team — which is why your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority.

As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. You will benefit from continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture that values collaboration, curiosity, and integrity. ICEYE is a place where your contributions have a visible impact, and where we celebrate success together.

Benefits

• A job that matters in a dynamic Defence Technology and 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

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At ICEYE, we believe that diversity isn't just a buzzword – it's our greatest asset. 

We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is not only heard but celebrated. We know that diverse perspectives breed innovation and creativity, which is why we actively seek out individuals from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences. 

Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table. Join us and be part of a team where differences are not only embraced but cherished, because together, we're stronger. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those who may need workplace adjustments. If you require any specific accommodations or assistance during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know.

Apply now to start your ICEYE journey, and help us continue to make the impossible possible together. Read more about ICEYE and working with us at iceye.com.

Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required)