---
title: 'Software and Satellite Operations Quality Assurance Engineer at Spire'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/software-and-satellite-operations-quality-assurance-engineer-spire-glasgow-15nmm7c0zzv2'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-05'
---

# Software and Satellite Operations Quality Assurance Engineer at Spire

- **Company:** Spire
- **Location:** Glasgow Scotland, United Kingdom
- **Posted:** 2026-08-13
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-05
- **Apply:** https://spire.com/careers/job-openings/job/?gh_jid=8114332&gh_jid=8114332

## Job description

The Role:

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Software Quality Engineer to join our Mission Assurance team. This role sits at the intersection where software quality meets in-orbit operations, offering the opportunity to drive the operational performance of a satellite constellation. The role has two facets, you will own software quality assurance activities across the development lifecycle and also provide quality oversight to the team operating our constellation of satellites during commissioning, operations, and anomaly response. As the company implements its development roadmap, the distinction between these two aspects will blur with satellite operations increasingly transitioning to automated AI/ML tools to manage the fleet.

The ideal candidate combines a rigorous, process-driven approach to software quality with an analytical mindset and operational awareness to allow them to ensure on-orbit anomalies are investigated and resolved effectively.

This is a broad remit, so previous experience in both areas is not required. For example, a strong software QA background in a demanding industry (e.g. banking, medical, defence) will likely also have developed the analytical mindset needed to investigate on orbit issues. You will work closely with a fantastic team of software engineers, systems engineers, technical experts and spacecraft operators to ensure that our software and satellites are fit for purpose and that deviations from expected behaviour are understood, reported, assessed, and resolved with sound engineering judgment.

What You’ll Do as Software & Satellite Operations Quality Engineer:

Software Quality Assurance (Primary Focus):

- Define and maintain software QA processes, standards, and acceptance criteria for onboard and ground segment software across the full development lifecycle.
- Ensure that software verification and validation activities are comprehensive and correctly executed.
- Ensure the Software Development Lifecycle meets applicable quality requirements and standards.
- Where situations require deviation from defined process, ensure that this is performed safely and in a controlled manner.
- Raise, track, and manage non-conformances, ensuring corrective and preventive actions are identified and implemented effectively.
- Ensure risks are identified, evaluated and communicated effectively to the project and management team.
- Ensure that the software configuration baseline is maintained throughout development and mission lifetimes.
- Confirm all software releases are reviewed and compliant to standards.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with applicable standards (e.g. ISO 29110, ECSS-Q-ST-80, ECSS-E-ST-40, or equivalent).

Satellite Operations (SatOps) Anomaly Support:

- Provide Mission Assurance support to satellite operations, especially during critical mission phases such as Checkout and Commissioning, In-Orbit Verification and anomaly response.
- Lead and contribute to anomaly investigations, root cause analyses, and failure review boards, ensuring findings are well-documented and lessons are captured.
- Ensure the mission impact of anomalies is assessed and operational workarounds, corrective actions and recovery steps are appropriate.
- Identify links between incidents and coordinate response to common anomalies across the fleet.
- Ensure lessons learned are fed back to satellite development teams using non-conformance and corrective action processes.
- Liaise with software development, systems engineering and satellite operations teams to continually improve satellite operations tooling, improving Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR), increasing automation and raising the availability of the satellite fleet through transition to AI/ML based systems.
- Serve as the mission assurance interface to the operations team, software engineers, and systems engineers during anomaly investigations and resolution.

Basic Skills/Qualifications:

- BSc or MEng in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 3+ years of experience in a software QA, systems engineering, or mission assurance role within a highly regulated industry (e.g. aerospace, defence, banking, medical).
- Proven track record of contributing to investigations and fault finding of complex systems.
- Familiarity with version control systems (e.g. Git) and issue tracking tools.
- Understanding of software development lifecycles (Agile and/or waterfall) and associated QA activities.
- Clear and concise communicator, able to present technical findings to diverse audiences including management and non-specialist stakeholders.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

- Experience working with FMEA, FDIR, hazard analysis, or other dependability and safety analysis methods.
- Experience with satellite operations or ground segment software in an operational environment.
- Experience supporting LEOP, commissioning, or in-orbit validation activities.
- Proficiency in scripting or data analysis for telemetry analysis.
- Background in configuration management in a regulated engineering environment.
- Experience with failure review boards or anomaly resolution in an operational setting.
- Knowledge of relevant standards such as ISO 29110, ECSS-Q-ST-80, ECSS-E-ST-40, or DO-178C.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-MK1

Global Perks

🛰️ Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP) 🚀 Launch Attendance 🌴 Generous Time Off Policy 🎓 Education Assistance Program 🥰 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 📈 Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) 👣 Family Leave 💪 Fitness Reimbursement 🧡 Employee Referral Program 🍉 Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

## About Spire

We improve life on Earth with data from space.

Spire Global is a space-to-cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real-time global coverage of every point on Earth.

Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.

Please take a moment to review [Spire's Global Data Privacy Notice for Employees, Contractors, Candidates and Visitors](https://spire.com/global-data-privacy-notice/), as well as [Spire's Privacy Policy.](https://spire.com/privacy-policy/)

Kindly be advised that communication regarding your application may come from @spire.com, @recruiting.spire.com, or from Candidate.fyi (our scheduling tool).

## About Spire

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: A space-powered data and intelligence company that designs, builds, and operates its own satellite constellation to collect and process Earth observation data from space, turning it into actionable insights for government and commercial customers [spire.com](https://spire.com/).
- **Entity Type**: Public (NYSE: SPIR) – indicated by an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) that allows employees to purchase Spire shares [spire.com/careers](https://spire.com/careers/).
- **Headquarters**: Global offices in Washington DC (USA), Boulder (USA), Luxembourg, and Munich (Germany); primary operational headquarters not explicitly stated in provided sources [spire.com/about-us](https://spire.com/about-us/).
- **Founded**: Not publicly available in provided sources (commonly reported as 2012).
- **Founders**: Not publicly available in provided sources (commonly reported as Peter Platzer, Jeroen Cappaert, and Joel Spark).

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Earth observation / space‑based data analytics / satellite intelligence.
- **Target customers**: B2G (government / defense / national security) and B2B (aviation, weather & climate, maritime, logistics). Customers include federal agencies and commercial enterprises.
- **Mission**: “To inspire, lead, and create the business of Earth observation for the benefit of all.” [spire.com/careers](https://spire.com/careers/)

## Products & Services
- **Space‑Based Aviation Intelligence (ADS‑B)** – Real‑time flight tracking and analytics for operational efficiency and safety, including the EURIALO project to mitigate GPS jamming [spire.com](https://spire.com/).
- **Weather & Climate Data** – Global atmospheric data collected by radio occultation and other sensors, used for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and risk assessment [spire.com](https://spire.com/).
- **Maritime Tracking (AIS)** – Vessel position and movement data for logistics, security, and environmental monitoring [implied from “transforming global logistics” on about‑us page].
- **Government & Defense Solutions** – Custom intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data feeds for national security customers [spire.com](https://spire.com/).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly available in provided sources.
- **Key Metric**: Annual revenue not disclosed in provided sources.
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: Not publicly available in provided sources.
- **Growth Signals**: Active hiring across multiple engineering, sales, and program management roles; continuous expansion of satellite constellation (LEMUR satellites); participation in government contracts (e.g., EURIALO) [spire.com/careers/job-openings](https://spire.com/careers/job-openings/).

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vertical Integration**: Designs, builds, and operates its own nanosatellites, ground stations, and software infrastructure, providing end‑to‑end control over data quality and latency [spire.com](https://spire.com/).
- **Global Coverage**: A large constellation of low‑Earth orbit satellites enables frequent revisit times and near‑global data collection [spire.com](https://spire.com/).
- **Speed & Agility**: Company culture emphasizes a “faster” and “unbounded” approach, allowing rapid iteration and deployment of new products [spire.com/careers](https://spire.com/careers/).

## Strategic Focus
- Expand government and defense sales (e.g., U.S. Federal Sales Director, Business Development Manager for Federal ISR) [spire.com/careers/job-openings](https://spire.com/careers/job-openings/).
- Deepen weather and climate analytics through product management and RF engineering investments [spire.com/careers/job-openings](https://spire.com/careers/job-openings/).
- Continue to enhance aviation intelligence offerings, especially in GPS jamming mitigation and flight path optimization [spire.com](https://spire.com/).
- Grow the global workforce to reflect the company’s international customer base and operational footprint [spire.com/careers](https://spire.com/careers/).

## Why Work Here
- **Culture & Values**: “Global,” “Unbounded,” “Faster,” “Reliable” – employees collaborate across time zones and continents; diversity is valued (employees from over 45 countries) [spire.com/careers](https://spire.com/careers/).
- **Benefits**:
  - Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
  - Generous family leave and flexible time‑off policy
  - Fitness reimbursement and healthy snacks/beverages
  - Learning & development support
  - Unique “Name Your Own Satellite” perk and VIP launch attendance [spire.com/careers](https://spire.com/careers/).
- **Work Model**: Hybrid / in‑office presence at locations in Washington DC, Boulder, Luxembourg, and Munich; some remote roles available (e.g., “Remote – Based in Europe”) [spire.com/careers/job-openings](https://spire.com/careers/job-openings/).
- **Engineering Focus**: Heavy investment in RF engineering, spacecraft software, back‑end development, and systems engineering; many senior‑level openings indicate a focus on experienced talent [spire.com/careers/job-openings](https://spire.com/careers/job-openings/).

## Sources
1. [spire.com](https://spire.com/) – Homepage: “Turning space data into actionable insights”
2. [spire.com/about-us](https://spire.com/about-us/) – About Us: mission, leadership, locations
3. [spire.com/careers](https://spire.com/careers/) – Careers page: values, benefits, culture
4. [spire.com/careers/job-openings](https://spire.com/careers/job-openings/) – Job openings: active roles, departments
5. [linkedin.com/company/spireglobal](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spireglobal) – LinkedIn company page (used for verification)

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