Senior Systems Engineer

Ready to take your career stratospheric?

AALTO is a global leader in the stratosphere. We design, manufacture and offer Earth observation and connectivity services using our record-breaking Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) solar-electric unmanned aircraft, capable of staying in the stratosphere for days, weeks, and months at a time.

Powered entirely by the sun, Zephyr operates above 60,000 feet, high above conventional air traffic. As a new layer in Earth observation and connectivity ecosystems, Zephyr is positioned between satellites and more conventional terrestrial assets – filling in the operational gap between the two layers, while remaining a complementary solution capable of working in a system of systems.

Services delivered with Zephyr can empower government and commercial customers with capabilities to see and sense or connect from the stratosphere – making a meaningful impact on the ground, from the skies.

Join #TeamAALTO as we create this new, up-and-coming frontier, and be a part of a highly skilled, innovative and passionate group of people working together to make sure “the future is stratospheric.”

Job Purpose

We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to join the team leading the development of the Zephyr High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS). In this role, you will play a key part in designing, developing, and integrating software systems—focusing on ground control and onboard software to enable seamless communication, control, and mission execution. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable, and compliant software solutions that meet high standards for performance, safety, and regulatory compliance

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the integration of onboard and ground-based software systems, including Flight Management Systems (FMS), Flight Deck interfaces, and mission control applications.
• Design and implement ground systems for UAV control, including datalink management, Satcom Systems, network routing (TCP/UDP), and real-time telemetry processing.
• Define and integrate the Flight Management System (FMS) capabilities tailored for long-endurance UAV operations, including autonomous navigation, mission planning, and contingency handling.
• Develop and refine intuitive HMI solutions for UAV operators, ensuring situational awareness, mission control, and safety-critical feedback through user-centered design principles. This includes developing interfaces for mission planning, flight control, and telemetry visualisation.
• Establish and maintain software architecture for mission-critical systems, ensuring modularity, scalability, and fault tolerance.
• Gather, evaluate, and manage software requirements to ensure they are traceable and consistently aligned with overarching system goals.
• Conduct and contribute to software-focused design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), ensuring alignment with system architecture and mission needs.
• Develop and execute software verification and validation plans, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and system-level testing.
• Ensure software systems comply with aviation standards such as ARP4754A, ARP4761 and DO-178C and support certification efforts.
• Identify and mitigate software-related risks, including cybersecurity, data integrity, and operational reliability.
• Act as a liaison between software teams and systems engineering, ensuring cohesive integration across avionics, payload, and ground systems.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of software designs, test results, and integration procedures.
  
  

Experience And Qualifications

• Proven experience in software systems engineering, preferably in aerospace or UAV domains.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with onboard software development and ground control systems.
• Proficiency in network protocols (TCP, UDP), datalink technologies, and real-time systems.
• Familiarity with ARINC 661 standards for cockpit display systems is highly desirable, along with experience using OpenGL or similar graphics libraries for rendering real-time visual interfaces.
• Familiarity with aviation standards (DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754, ARP4761).
• Experience with Systems Engineering tools (e.g., JAMA, IBM DOORS) and MBSE methodologies (desirable).
• Knowledge of UAV operations, safety standards, and regulatory frameworks.
  
  

At AALTO, we take pride in building and offering an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

At AALTO, we take pride in building and offering an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.