Latest Spacecraft Engineer Jobs

Systems Engineering Team Lead

Leads a team of systems engineers while actively contributing to the design and development of complex spacecraft systems across the full lifecycle, from mission concept to integration and verification. Focuses on technical trade-offs, requirements management, and cross-disciplinary coordination within a high-tech space organisation. Offers leadership responsibility alongside hands-on engineering in a collaborative, international environment.

Holt Executive Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £65,000 – £98,000 pa

Senior Command & Data Handling Engineer

Lead the design and development of spacecraft command and data handling subsystems across the full mission lifecycle, from concept to in-orbit operations. Work within a multidisciplinary team to define avionics architecture, develop onboard data systems, and lead verification testing. Involves close collaboration with flight software and systems engineering teams to ensure robust, fault-tolerant spacecraft platforms.

Holt Executive Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £60,000 – £90,000 pa

Satellite Operations Engineer

This role involves direct operations of live Earth Observation satellites, covering commissioning, in-orbit testing, health monitoring, and anomaly resolution. The engineer will develop operational procedures, support mission readiness, and collaborate with engineering teams to enhance automation and mission performance. Work includes on-call duties and close coordination with ground segment teams to ensure mission success.

GCS United Kingdom £55,000 – £60,000 pa

ESA/IPC Harness and Spacecraft Inspector

Perform detailed visual and electrical inspections of spacecraft harnesses and mechanical assemblies to ensure compliance with IPC, ECSS, and programme-specific standards. Conduct Key Inspection Points during spacecraft build, verify soldering, crimping, and cable routing, and ensure adherence to cleanroom, ESD, and FOD protocols. Document non-conformances, support corrective actions, and maintain configuration control throughout integration.

IO Fairlands, Surrey, GU3 3JH, United Kingdom

Propulsion Systems Engineer

This role involves systems engineering for satellite propulsion systems, focusing on trade-off analysis, requirements generation, and system design across fluidic, thermal, and electrical domains. The engineer will perform FMECA and other system analyses while supporting manufacturing and assembly planning. Work is conducted in collaboration with national and European space agencies on defence and scientific spacecraft projects.

Expert Employment Lower Hartwell, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £35,000 – £46,000 pa

Optical Systems Engineer

Design and develop space-borne optical systems from concept through manufacturing, integration, and verification. Lead optical metrology and environmental testing programmes, support payload alignment, and manage technical documentation for spacecraft optical payloads. Work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-performance imaging systems for space applications.

Surrey Satellite Technology Guildford, GU2 7YE, United Kingdom

Test Engineer Engine, Propulsion or Thrust

Conduct hot fire testing of rocket propulsion systems using propellant and pressurant feed systems, including design and execution of test setups. Work with ground support and electrical ground support equipment in a space engineering context. Ideal for engineers with hands-on experience in mechanical, aerospace, or physics-based roles focused on rocketry and fluidic control systems.

Expert Employment Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £28,000 – £43,500 pa

Propulsion Engineer

This role involves engineering support across the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of advanced rocket engines and thrusters for space missions. The engineer will perform functional and system analyses, support hot-fire testing of bi-propellant and monopropellant systems, develop technical documentation, and interface with customers and cross-functional teams. Work spans critical projects like RELIANCE and LEROS, with responsibilities extending to supplier management, data analysis, and technical contributions to proposals.

Nexithon Ltd United Kingdom

Mechanical Design Engineer (Space/Satellite)

This role involves owning the end-to-end mechanical design and documentation for space hardware, payloads, and MGSE. Responsibilities include creating precise CAD models, assembly drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation, as well as providing hands-on support for prototyping, assembly, AIT, and mechanical testing.

GlobalTech Recruitment London, United Kingdom

Hybrid Freelance

Software Engineer - On Board Processing

Design and develop flight software for satellite systems, focusing on reliability and performance in space missions. Work on Linux and RTOS-based platforms, ensuring robust integration with spacecraft subsystems. Engage in full lifecycle development with strong emphasis on traceability, testing, and continuous improvement in a cross-functional team environment.

Open Cosmos Ltd Didcot, OX11 0RL, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Propulsion Engineer

This role involves end-to-end engineering of spacecraft propulsion systems, including design, analysis, hardware build, and testing for gas, chemical, and electric systems. The engineer will support missions from project scoping through to in-orbit commissioning, working across simulation, documentation, and hands-on assembly. A rare blend of analytical and practical engineering is required within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Surrey Satellite Technology Guildford, GU2 7YE, United Kingdom

FPGA Engineer

Design and lead FPGA architecture for spacecraft systems, translating mission requirements into high-reliability digital designs. Develop scalable IP, drive verification strategies, and integrate with onboard software and electronics. Work across the full lifecycle from concept to in-orbit validation in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment.

Open Cosmos Ltd Didcot, OX11 0RL, United Kingdom

Catia Design Engineer

Design and develop mechanical and thermal components for space propulsion systems using CATIA, from concept through to delivery. Create 3D models, 2D drawings, and interface definitions while ensuring compliance with manufacturing and integration requirements. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and support design reviews, change management, and supplier coordination throughout the product lifecycle.

Morson Edge Pingewood, Berkshire, United Kingdom

Electro-Optical (EO) Payload Systems Engineer

This role involves leading the definition, development, and validation of electro-optical image acquisition chains for space-based optical instruments. The engineer will work on system architecture, FPGA firmware, sensor characterization, and integration within cleanroom environments, supporting full lifecycle activities from design to testing. Expertise in image sensors, readout electronics, and space qualification is central to the position.

Thales Alenia Space Spain

Avionics RTE&IVVQ Engineer

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our...

Thales Alenia Space Italy