Senior C++ Engineer - Real-Time Control Systems (Sensors, Actuators & AOCS)

Role Highlights

🔹Title: Senior CPP Engineer
🔹Location: Helsinki (Hybrid; 3-days a week onsite)
🔹Type of Contract: Fixed/Permanent
🔹Team: AOCS Engineering Team

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 flies the world’s largest commercial SAR constellation—and it’s still growing fast. Every radar image, collision-avoidance manoeuvre and customer data product relies on milliseconds-tight control-loop software steering dozens of satellites in unforgiving orbital dynamics. 
Join us to tackle state-of-the-art sensor-fusion and actuation challenges where **microseconds matter and every line of code has a direct, global impact**: enabling first responders to map floods, insurers to assess damage, and scientists to measure a changing planet — all from space.

What you’ll do

• Write and optimize real-time C++ code that meets strict determinism and latency budgets needed for safe, precise on-orbit execution.

• Build & own the software layer that bridges sensors, actuators and control algorithms - deterministic loops, telemetry pipelines and on-orbit autonomy.

• Drive end-to-end quality: requirements → design → code → HIL/MIL testing → launch → on-orbit support.

• Collaborate with GNC, electronics, ground-segment and mission-ops engineers to debug, iterate and improve performance.

• Evolve the architecture as our fleet and use-cases grow—refactor, optimise and introduce new technologies where they add value.

• Investigate anomalies: deep-dive into flight data, reproduce issues on rigs and roll out fixes that keep the constellation healthy.

Tech we use today

C++ 17 / 20 • Embedded Linux • ZeroMQ • SQLite • GitHub Actions • Simulink & Matlab • Python (analysis & tooling)

Requirements

About you

• You love writing modern C++ and know what production-quality code looks like.

• Proven track record shipping real-time control software for autonomous or safety-critical systems—satellites, drones, robotics, automotive…

• Understand hard real-time constraints, latency budgeting and deterministic behaviour.

• Comfortable interfacing with sensors, actuators and embedded Linux environments.

• Champion of good engineering practice: rigorous testing, CI/CD, clear documentation.

• Thrive across the lifecycle—from whiteboard concepts to on-orbit maintenance.

• Clear communicator who enjoys solving problems with colleagues across disciplines.

Nice to have

• HIL/MIL development experience.

• Sensor-fusion & Kalman-filter know-how.

• Contributions to open-source control, robotics or embedded projects.

Ready to build the software that keeps satellites—and ambitious ideas—on course? We’d love to hear your story.

Benefits

Our Commitment To You

When you apply to a role at ICEYE, we commit to responding to your initial application within 5 working days, if not sooner. When you are contacted by the Talent Partner managing the role, they will be your key point of contact throughout the interview and assessment process. 

We commit to ensuring that you are kept updated about the status of your application, and that any questions you have are answered as soon as possible. The assessment process for this role will follow the structure outlined below. 

Process

• TA Screen

• Hiring Manager Screen

• Task & Technical Interview

• On-Site: Engineer Discipline

• On-Site: Individual Behavior and Mindset

• SVP Interview

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

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! 🚀