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.

Rolls Royce · Derby

Analytical engineering role supporting Defence aerospace programmes across design, development and certification. Work covers structural and stress analysis, whole engine modelling, rotordynamics, vibration, critical parts lifing, durability and fatigue assessment, ensuring components perform safely in demanding environments. Requires a mechanical or aerospace engineering background and experience in regulated engineering settings.

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.

Surrey Satellite Technology · Guildford

Owns cybersecurity and information assurance across satellite product and service delivery, covering ISO 27001, CE+ and DCC certification, Secure by Design reviews, ITHCs, penetration testing and vulnerability remediation. Acts as incident response team member, manages supplier compliance, Security Aspects Letters and space licensing security, and reports to executive and board level.

Surrey Satellite Technology · Guildford

Accountable for delivering constellation satellite missions from contract award through spacecraft development, launch, commissioning and operational acceptance. Leads cross-functional engineering, operations, commercial and supply chain teams, acting as primary customer interface and owning programme performance, risk, budgets and schedules. Requires satellite systems experience and strong MS Project skills.

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

Own the fit-out and day-to-day running of a new London facility with workshop, labs and cleanroom, covering health, safety and environmental compliance, maintenance, security, budgets and suppliers. Works closely with landlords, contractors and engineers at an early-stage spacetech company.

Astroscale · Didcot

Design, develop, verify and deploy computer vision algorithms for spacecraft and ground systems, covering space object detection and tracking, 6DoF pose estimation, and subsystem architecture. The role spans hardware-in-the-loop test campaigns, flight software integration, sensor procurement and mentoring junior engineers within a global algorithms and software group.

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.

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.

Expert Employment · Aylesbury · £40,000 – £45,000 pa

Design and improve production tooling and fixtures for a specialist aerospace and engineering environment. Use CAD (Creo) to create detailed engineering drawings, develop prototypes, test and validate new tooling, and troubleshoot issues. Work closely with manufacturing and process engineers to improve production quality, efficiency and costs while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Holt Executive · Oxfordshire · £40,000 – £70,000 pa

Contribute across the GNC development lifecycle for complex satellite missions, from requirements, architectures and FDIR to V&V strategies. Involves integrating GNC algorithms, computer vision and hardware, plus flight software architecture, trade-offs and on-orbit operations support. Distinct for its focus on rendezvous, proximity operations and spacecraft capture systems.