Argotec is an Italian aerospace company specializing in the production of small satellite platforms (from 6U Cubesats up to 250kg-platforms) and innovative products to improve the comfort of space explorers. Thanks to its facilities and know-how, the company's activities follow the "all in-house" concept, which includes design, development, integration, qualification, and operational services. At Argotec, we’re not just building satellites; we’re shaping the future of space innovation.
To support our Company’s growth, we are looking for an Backend Software Engineer who will be part of our Flight Operations Unit, contributing to the development and maintenance of mission-critical backend software supporting satellite monitoring, control, command and telemetry processing, and ground activities.
The ideal candidate will have solid hands-on experience in backend development and demonstrate availability for shift work and flexibility to support outside nominal working hours when required, particularly during mission phases to ensure software reliability and operational continuity.
We foster a collaborative environment where every Argonaut can contribute with their ideas and expertise, create meaningful value together, and transform feedback and mistakes into opportunities for learning and innovation, growing both professionally and personally, as individuals and as a team. DUTIES
As a Backend Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and maintaining reliable, scalable, and secure backend services for ground segment systems supporting satellite flight operations.
You will work in a dynamic environment, collaborating with systems engineers, operators, and other developers to ensure reliable and efficient satellite operations.
The activities will include (but are not limited to):
Gather functional requirements from stakeholders and produce technical requirements; design reliable, scalable, and secure backend services for the Ground Segment (TT\&C, mission planning, telemetry, data visualization);
Develop and maintain APIs and automation tooling that streamline ground activities and support Flight Operations;
Implement, plan and execute software testing (unit, integration, system), operational scenario validation and rehearsals remain under Flight Operations;
Integrate with external systems, such as ground stations, following relevant protocols and standards (e.g., CCSDS Space Packet, COP‑1/SLE, ground‑station APIs);
Provide software on‑call support and contribute to anomaly resolution during operational phases;
Produce and maintain technical documentation aligned with internal guidelines and ECSS practices.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or High School Diploma in related technical fields;
At least 3 years of experience in backend development for distributed, mission-critical systems;
Availability for shift work when required is essential, particularly during mission phases to ensure software reliability and operational continuity. This flexibility may be necessary for software-related issues, service reliability or anomaly resolution;
Analytical mindset and continuous learning attitude;
Excellent written and oral communication in English.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCES \& SKILLS
Strong proficiency in Go and/or Python; other languages such as C/C++ or Node.js are considered assets;
Previous experience with Linux, Git, Docker;
Solid knowledge of databases (SQL/NoSQL; time‑series or streaming data handling is a plus);
Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams;
Problem-solving skills;
Hands-on and proactive approach;
ADDITIONAL ASSETS
Knowledge of aerospace/space standards such as CCSDS and ECSS, including COP‑1/SLE;
Experience in satellite ground segment software, mission control systems, or high-reliability sectors (defense, telecommunications, aviation, automotive, finance);
Familiarity with microservices, REST/RPC APIs, event-driven messaging (e.g., Kafka, NATS, RabbitMQ), and real-time environments;
Experience with Kubernetes and CI/CD with automated testing;
Experience with production observability (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, OpenTelemetry);
Knowledge of Typescript and React Native;
Experience designing or integrating AI agents to enhance automation of operational workflows, testing, or routine ground-segment tasks.
WHY JOIN ARGOTEC?* Opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a very innovative environment.
Professional training and career development opportunities.
Flexible working time schedule and a hybrid work policy.
Monthly "Free-Day" - every second Friday: time off to dedicate to your family and/or hobbies.
A diversified community that organizes extra-work and fun activities.
Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
Our selection process is tailored to each role and includes at least a call with our Talent Acquisition Team, a technical evaluation, and a final in-person meeting. Your recruiter will share more insights during your first meeting with us!At Argotec, we thrive on diverse perspectives and unique strengths. Your individuality could be the missing piece to our puzzle! Even if you don't meet every skill listed above, we encourage you to apply if you're passionate about the role and believe you can contribute to our team's success. Our selection process is built on impartiality, transparency, and equal opportunity, ensuring that every candidate is evaluated based on skills, experience, and potential. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to protected categories (Law 68/99). In the event of equal qualifications, priority may be given to candidates who meet these criteria. At Argotec, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. This opportunity is open to everyone, regardless – for instance – of ethnic or cultural background, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin. Join us in a workplace where everyone belongs. This announcement is aimed at both sexes, under laws 903/77 and 125/91, and to people of all ages and all nationalities, under legislative decrees 215/03 and 216/03.