UK Space Jobs

Spire · Glasgow

Design, implement, test and maintain embedded firmware for satellite systems, working within a Platform team that interfaces with R&D, manufacturing and operations. Involves optimising serial protocols, debugging on-orbit and on-ground issues, and building interface tools, with FreeRTOS, Embedded C, Python/Bash and Arm Cortex microcontrollers in a fast design-to-launch cycle.

Spire · Glasgow

Builds and maintains the tooling and infrastructure behind satellite software development, including advanced test frameworks for virtual and bare-metal hardware, an automated in-orbit update pipeline, and a next-generation software framework. Works in a small, self-directed team within a 150+ person engineering org, spanning embedded systems, GitOps, and CI/CD.

ClearSpace · London

Owns the overall spacecraft thermo-mechanical architecture, from concept through launch and operations, as a key member of the Mechanical, Thermal and Propulsion team. Leads mechanical design, interfaces, trade-offs and verification, acting as primary technical focal point for customers, partners and suppliers, with scope to coordinate the MTP domains on a mission.

ClearSpace · London

Lead the Guidance, Navigation and Control architecture for a space mission, defining subsystem requirements, simulator and test specifications, and managing the GNC engineering team. The role involves fault-tolerant algorithm design, rendezvous and pose estimation sensors, trajectory design and hardware integration, interfacing with system and robotic architects. Distinct for its focus on in-orbit servicing and space debris removal.

Foundational · London

Owns optical design across laser ranging stations, optical tracking systems and retroreflector products, from requirements and tolerancing through to verified hardware. Runs trade studies with suppliers on telescopes, windows, coatings and filters, and mentors graduate and junior engineers. Hands-on lab work includes alignment, metrology and interferometry.

Foundational · London

An apprenticeship building space hardware, learning mechanical, electrical and optical assembly alongside engineers while working towards a recognised engineering qualification. The role involves machining, assembly and wiring in the workshop, helping build and test real station hardware, and rotating through mechanical, electrical and optical work while studying with a college or training provider.

Astroscale · Didcot

Develops and operates in-house flight dynamics software for orbital manoeuvres, rendezvous, docking and collision avoidance across multiple mission phases. Interfaces with GNC, ground segment and contractor teams, supports 24/7 shift operations, and works with MATLAB, C++ and Python in a hybrid Harwell-based team.

CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler · Basingstoke · £55 – £500 ph

Supports the delivery of sensitive MOD and aerospace programmes on-site with Edgewing, maintaining project plans, schedules and RAID logs while coordinating meetings and stakeholder updates. Monitors budgets, resources and governance compliance across Agile, Waterfall and hybrid methodologies, escalating risks to senior project managers.

Saab · Oakley

A two-year structured graduate programme rotating through four six-month placements across core engineering disciplines, working hands-on with autonomous vehicle technology in the Blue Bear business unit. Graduates rotate as a cohort at the Oakley, Bedfordshire office, supported by managers and mentors, with a final placement and possible conversion to a permanent role.

Saab · Oakley

A two-year graduate programme rotating through four six-month placements in core engineering disciplines, working hands-on with autonomous vehicle technology in the Blue Bear business unit. Graduates rotate as a cohort, are supported by managers and mentors, and may convert to a permanent role based on performance and business needs.

Filtronic · Cambridge

Designs, develops and integrates embedded software and firmware for advanced RF and communications products across the full lifecycle, from concept to volume manufacture. Strong focus on Zephyr-based development alongside embedded Linux, Yocto, bare-metal firmware, networking and secure communications, working closely with RF, FPGA, hardware and systems engineers.

Filtronic · Cambridge

Lead the design, simulation and development of RF and mmWave circuits, components and subsystems, including system analysis, performance optimisation and troubleshooting. Carry out measurements, characterisation and validation of prototypes and production hardware, and support the transition from concept through prototyping into volume manufacturing. Works closely with electronics, mechanical, software and systems engineers, and contributes technical input to RFQs, proposals and customer engagements.

University of Oxford · Oxford · £40,178 – £48,700 pa

Lead analysis of Vera Rubin/LSST transient data and the 4MOST TiDES survey, working on SNe Ia cosmology groundwork or follow-up and modelling of rare transients. Based in the Denys Wilkinson Building as part of the five-year STFC-funded TRANSCEND collaboration with Lancaster, Southampton and Queen's Belfast, with an opportunity to teach.

Holt Executive · Chelmsford

Lead strategic R&D and customer-funded projects in an advanced engineering and manufacturing environment, delivering imaging sensors and subsystems for space science, Earth observation and high-energy physics. Manage cross-functional teams of over ten engineers, owning schedules, budgets, phase-gate reviews and customer relationships, with a strong emphasis on production delivery and financial performance.

NewOrbit Space · Reading

Designs satellite mechanical hardware including secondary structures, thermal-control hardware, cable routing and mechanisms, while managing a large shared 3D CAD assembly using top-down design and skeleton models. Maintains PLM data, BOMs and change control, runs clash checks and produces GD&T manufacturing drawings, supporting PDR/CDR reviews, prototyping and environmental testing in a small multidisciplinary team.