Software engineer

SRON develops instruments for space missions of ESA, NASA, and JAXA which rely on world-leading electronic systems. These systems are extremely sensitive, highly reliable, low in power consumption, low in noise, and capable of high-speed operation. To achieve this, state-of-the-art software is essential. For example for instrument control, calibration, verification, and testing of prototypes and scientific instruments for these space missions. You will play a key role in developing this software. 

Alongside this, you will help evolve and maintain our in-house software test suite, which supports the control and verification of a diverse range of space research systems. This is a hands-on engineering role that extends beyond the desk. You will regularly work in the lab, working closely with hardware, diagnosing issues, and ensuring system performance. 

Your work may involve using measurement equipment such as multimeters, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes, as well as software tools like Wireshark to perform measurements and troubleshoot issues. 

You may also contribute to the development of flight software, mission-critical systems, responsible for instrument command and control, as well as onboard data processing. This work demands precision, structured thinking, and a strong focus on documentation and reliability.

The software engineer will be part of the Software Engineering team within the Engineering Group (EG). The EG is responsible for the mechanical, electronic, FPGA, and software design of prototypes and flight instruments, as well as their realization, integration, and testing. Your colleagues are driven by engineering excellence, technological innovation, and a shared passion for space research and complex technical challenges. 

You will join a team of seven software engineers and three FPGA engineers, and you will collaborate closely with engineers and scientists on multidisciplinary project teams. Your work will take place primarily at our Groningen location.

You will contribute to future instruments for Earth-based telescopes as well as space missions, enabling scientists worldwide to perform groundbreaking research on the universe and our own planet. You will also support the development of new sensor technologies for future use in space.

We’re looking for a software engineer with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in software engineering, electrical engineering, a related field, or equivalent practical experience. You are comfortable working closely with hardware and collaborating in multidisciplinary teams, while also being able to work independently.

You bring:
•    Strong Python and Linux development skills
•    Solid understanding of object-oriented programming
•    Experience interfacing with hardware (e.g., sensors, test equipment, communication protocols)
•    Familiarity with software quality practices (testing, version control, code reviews)
 

Nice to have:

Experience with one or more of the following:
•    Designing and maintaining APIs
•    Distributed systems and remote procedure calls (RPC)
•    GUI development with Qt
•    Computer and communication protocols
•    Digital signal processing (DSP)
•    Measurement equipment and debugging tools
•    C/C++ development
•    ECSS software development standards 

In summary, you are a software engineer motivated by science and space exploration who enjoys working at the intersection of software and hardware. You bring strong Python and Linux development skills, apply sound software design principles, and build reliable systems that interact with physical hardware. You collaborate effectively across disciplines and communicate clearly in an engineering-focused environment.

The position we offer is a fulltime position. You will be employed by NWO-I (Foundation for Dutch Scientific Research Institutes). [We offer the position for a period of minimal one year. The salary will be in accordance with NWO salary scale 9 with a maximum of € 5.241,– gross per month on a full-time basis depending on your level of education and experience.

The position is based in Groningen.

NWO-I has good secondary employment conditions such as: 

• An end-of-year bonus of 8,33% of the gross yearly salary;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary;
• 42 days of vacation leave per year on a full-time basis;
• Compensation for commuting expenses;
• An excellent pension scheme;
• Options for (additional) personal development;
• Excellent facilities for parental leave;
• Ample training opportunities;
• Possibility of flexible working hours;