Werner M. Thomassen
Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Flight software for LEO satellites, autonomous UAVs, humanoid and ground robots. 7+ years in embedded C, Linux/Yocto, and PCB design across space, defence, and robotics.
About Me
Embedded software engineer with 7+ years across the space, defence, and robotics industries. I build flight software for LEO satellites at Spire Global, and have previously developed firmware for autonomous paraglider drones, humanoid robots, and autonomous mining vehicles. My work spans the full embedded stack — from Yocto and embedded C on Linux to bare-metal microcontrollers (ARM, STM32) and custom PCB design. I hold dual citizenship from Belgium and Brazil.
Bio
Ruchill, Glasgow
Scotland, UK
Professional Skills
Work Experience
- Lead embedded software architecture across the full LEO satellite fleet
- Drive Yocto-based build systems and embedded C development for flight software
- Design modular architecture patterns that increase code reuse and streamline engineering effort for new satellite builds and mission adaptations
- Developed embedded C and Linux flight software for the entire LEO satellite fleet, including the Deloitte-1 mission
- Built internal software architecture improvements for scaling and modularity across the codebase
- Reduced engineering effort required to adapt code for new satellite builds and projects
- Tech lead for the 25 kg class paraglider drone — embedded architecture, PCB design, and firmware across the full development cycle
- Delivered a flight-ready platform used in defence mapping operations
- Ensured compliance with aerospace and military standards throughout development
- Developed long-range autonomous drones for cargo payloads up to 150 kg
- Designed and tested custom PCBs and integrated off-the-shelf avionics
- Ensured full compliance with aerospace and military regulations throughout the hardware development lifecycle
- Developed embedded systems for humanoid entertainment robots deployed worldwide
- Programmed STM32 microcontrollers with FreeRTOS for real-time multi-axis control
- Designed custom PCB and driver boards for complex robotic platforms
- Managed requirements from high-level client specifications to software development requirements as a systems engineering consultant for Bombardier Transportation (Derby)
- Developed autonomous vehicle software — system diagnostics, report tools, high-precision GNSS, embedded Linux, ROS, and QT GUI
- Left to relocate to the UK
- Built Python diagnostic tooling, GNSS/RTK systems, and a mining simulator using Unreal Engine 4
- Developed a Qt5 cockpit UI and a hardware demonstration kit for sales and training, running embedded Linux with ROS
- Co-founded a 3D modeling and printing startup — built and maintained printers, fulfilled client modeling requests
- Co-founded a startup using AI and social media for directional marketing, implementing NLP and automated user verification
- Developed maintenance solutions for biomedical equipment in lab and on-site; modernized legacy equipment with new electronics
Education
- Autonomous tilt rotor drones — 3D modeling for printing and embedded systems integration (2013–2015)
- Quadrotor indoor localization — Kinect sensors and augmented reality tags (2016–2017)
- Robotics Tournament Monitor — taught robotics to first-year students using Lego Mindstorm and Arduino
Personal Interests
Engineering project videos documenting a quadruped robot, drone-based AR tag detection, sumo robots, and other autonomous systems.
CAD modeling and 3D printing designs, showcasing skills in mechanical design and rapid prototyping.