Pros
I started working as a software engineer at Space Application Services (in short, SpaceApps) in 2019, just after completing a PhD in spaceborne fault-tolerant FPGA-based computing systems.
At first, I was sceptical that the position I took at SpaceApps would be creative and exercise my analytical and research skills.
I was lucky! At SpaceApps, I got involved in space projects that exceeded my expectations.
Together with my teammates and in collaboration with scientists/engineers from ESA, NASA, JAXA, Airbus, and Thales, to mention a few organizations and companies, I worked on the most exciting projects!
For example, I developed embedded software for ARM processors and SoC-FPGA that will be used in on-orbit modular and reconfigurable satellites and worked as an onboard computer architect on the ESA/ERSA space weather payload for the NASA Gateway spacecraft.
In a nutshell, if you want to work on exciting space projects, SpaceApps is your company – period.
Cons
I have no disadvantages to share, except that SpaceApps is located in Brussels - a dull city for my taste 😊.
