As a Software Engineer at Orbex Group, your daily work will sit at the intersection of cutting-edge software development and physical aerospace engineering. Your responsibilities will typically include:

• Developing Flight & Ground Software – Writing clean, highly reliable, and well-tested code in C, C++, or Python for onboard flight computers, ground control systems, or test benches.
• Hardware Integration & Testing – Working directly with physical hardware, integrating your software with microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators, and conducting extensive hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Partnering closely with GNC, propulsion, electrical, and mechanical teams to define software requirements, communication protocols, and system interfaces.
• Ensuring Mission Safety – Participating in rigorous code reviews, writing comprehensive unit and integration tests, and conducting failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to ensure software safety.
• Supporting Launch Operations – Developing tools and systems used by mission operators, and potentially supporting real-time testing and launch operations directly.

To be highly competitive for a Software Engineer position at Orbex Group, you should possess a strong blend of technical capability, domain experience, and collaborative skills.

• Technical Skills

  • Must-have skills – Strong proficiency in C or C++ for embedded systems, or Python for ground systems, scripting, and testing; solid understanding of Linux operating systems; experience with version control (Git).
  • Nice-to-have skills – Experience with RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or VxWorks); familiarity with aerospace communication standards (such as CAN, Ethernet, or space-specific protocols); experience with Rust or modern C++ standards.

• Experience & Background

  • Professional Experience – Typically 3+ years of experience in a software engineering role, preferably in aerospace, automotive, robotics, defense, or another high-reliability, safety-critical industry.
  • Academic Background – A degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

• Soft Skills

  • Clear Communication – The ability to explain complex software concepts to hardware engineers and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Adaptability – A proactive attitude and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving startup-like aerospace environment.

Q: How difficult is the Software Engineer interview at Orbex Group? A: Candidates generally describe the interview as average in difficulty. Rather than testing you on abstract competitive programming puzzles, the team focuses on practical, real-world engineering scenarios, system architecture, and your actual hands-on experience.

Q: What is the typical timeline for the hiring process? A: The process can be highly streamlined, with some candidates receiving callbacks within two days and completing the entire process in a week. However, depending on the role, location, and scheduling, it can occasionally take longer. The team is known for providing quick feedback after each interview stage.

Q: Where are the software engineering teams located? A: Orbex Group is headquartered in Forres, Scotland, which is where much of the engineering and manufacturing takes place. They also have offices and test facilities in other European locations. Be sure to clarify the hybrid or relocation expectations for your specific role early in the process.

Q: What makes a candidate stand out during the technical panel? A: Successful candidates demonstrate a strong system-level understanding. They don't just write code; they understand how that code interacts with the underlying operating system, the hardware, and the physical environment of a rocket. Showing a deep appreciation for testing, safety, and reliability is key.

To maximize your chances of success during the Orbex Group interview process, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Focus on the "Why" behind your decisions: When describing past projects, don't just explain what you built. Explain why you chose a specific language, architecture, or protocol, and what trade-offs you considered.
• Emphasize safety and reliability: Whether you are writing flight software or ground tools, always highlight how you test your code, handle errors, and design for failure recovery.
• Prepare to discuss hardware-software boundaries: Be ready to talk about how your software interacts with physical systems. If you have experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or HIL setups, make sure to mention it.

• Show enthusiasm for the mission: Orbex Group is a team of highly motivated space enthusiasts. Demonstrating a genuine interest in their launch vehicle, sustainable spaceflight, and the future of the European space industry can set you apart from other technically qualified candidates.

A Software Engineer role at Orbex Group offers an extraordinary opportunity to write code that actually leaves the planet. Whether you are controlling rocket engines, processing high-speed telemetry, or building mission control interfaces, your work will have a tangible, physical impact on the future of space exploration.

To prepare effectively, focus your energy on solidifying your systems programming knowledge, reviewing your past architectural decisions, and practicing how to explain complex technical concepts clearly. Lean into your practical engineering experiences, and be ready to discuss how you build reliable, safe, and maintainable software. You can explore additional community-contributed interview experiences and preparation resources on Dataford to further refine your approach.

The salary data reflects the competitive compensation packages offered by Orbex Group to attract top-tier engineering talent to the aerospace sector. When evaluating your offer, consider the complete package, including relocation assistance to beautiful Scotland, health benefits, and the unique opportunity to work on flight-heritage systems. Good luck with your preparation—your journey to the launchpad starts here!