Software Engineer Database

Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come? We are looking for a Software Engineer for Planetary Space Missions to work at our premises in Madrid, Spain.

In this role, you will contribute to the software engineering services that support the development, validation, and maintenance of mission‑critical tools used by ESA Planetary Space Operators.

About the client and location

The European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) base in Madrid, Spain. ESAC is responsible for all of ESA’s research into astronomy and solar system exploration, as well as being the location of ESA’s space telescope. It is from here that archives are stored on ESA’s science missions, which are then made accessible for researchers all around the world.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include: Developing new functionalities for a mission planning application using C++ and CMake. Maintaining and implementing new Jenkins pipelines for automated service administration. Supporting multiple concurrent projects, adapting to diverse business requirements and varied technical stacks. Contributing to technical analysis, project planning, and documentation to support clear and efficient development workflows. Maintaining backend services based on Java Spring Boot, Solr, Tomcat, and PostgreSQL.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory: Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Informatics or Software Engineering. A minimum of 3 years’ professional experience as a C++ Developer. Hands‑on experience with C++, CMake, and REST API development. Knowledge of Java and frontend technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) would be desirable. Good knowledge of relational databases such as PostgreSQL and MySQL, along with familiarity with Git and version control best practices. A strong willingness to learn, develop professionally, and work across multiple project domains. Proven problem‑solving mindset and ability to tackle complex technical challenges. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high standard of quality. Curiosity, proactiveness, and a genuine desire for continuous professional growth. Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment. Solution oriented mindset, with a customer focused communication skill. Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Why should you apply?

You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe. We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry. To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration. Benefits include: competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.

Starion employees are located across Europe, close to our clients’ offices, enabling us to be responsive and agile. Our engineers and researchers are among the most trusted and respected in the industry, helping build space-based solutions that address major challenges on Earth such as civil security, climate change and deforestation.