Latest spacecraft systems engineer Jobs

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

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 Embedded Software Engineer

Develop and maintain embedded firmware for satellite systems, focusing on real-time performance and reliability in space-constrained environments. Work across the full development lifecycle from design to on-orbit support, collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve complex embedded issues. Utilize FreeRTOS, ARM Cortex microcontrollers, and low-level serial protocols in a fast-paced, space-focused engineering environment.

Spire Glasgow, Alba / Scotland, G2 1AL, United Kingdom

AIT Lead Engineer

Lead and execute spacecraft and payload assembly, integration, and test (AIT) activities, including environmental verification testing, both in-house and at external facilities. Develop test plans and procedures, manage test teams, and ensure compliance with engineering standards in a cleanroom environment. Support mission commissioning, customer engagement, and technical documentation for spaceflight hardware.

Surrey Satellite Technology Guildford, GU2 7YE, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent Clearance Required

AIT Harness Engineer - Contractor

This role involves manufacturing flight harnesses and test cables for spacecraft as part of the AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Test) team. The engineer will implement harness designs to meet electrical, grounding, and environmental standards, support spacecraft integration and testing, and assist with routing and off-site activities. The position requires hands-on build experience, adherence to strict space industry standards, and potential for international travel and cleanroom work.

Surrey Satellite Technology Guildford, GU2 7YE, United Kingdom

On-site Contract Flexible Clearance Required

Software and Satellite Operations Quality Assurance Engineer

This role involves ensuring software quality across the full development lifecycle for satellite systems while also providing mission assurance during satellite operations, including anomaly response and commissioning. The engineer will lead root cause analyses, manage non-conformances, and improve processes using standards like ISO 29110 and ECSS. A key focus is bridging software QA with automated satellite operations, supporting AI/ML-driven fleet management and enhancing fault detection and recovery systems.

Spire Glasgow, Alba / Scotland, G2 1AL, United Kingdom

Mission Operations Manager

This role involves end-to-end management of satellite missions, ensuring reliable spacecraft operations and data delivery from orbit. The Mission Operations Manager will act as the main contact for satellite owners, monitor mission health across space and ground systems, coordinate incident resolution, and drive operational improvements. Working within the CTO office, the role bridges technical teams and customer objectives in a fast-paced space technology environment.

Open Cosmos Ltd Didcot, OX11 0RL, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Satcom Payload Architect

The role involves defining the end-to-end technical architecture of advanced satellite communication payloads for low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations. You will translate service requirements into detailed technical specifications for RF, digital, and optical subsystems, perform microwave link analysis, and ensure alignment between payload and spacecraft design. The position requires deep systems engineering expertise in satellite communications, with a focus on flexible, high-performance, and SWaP-optimised solutions.

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, testing, and in-orbit commissioning. The engineer will work across gas, chemical, and electric propulsion technologies, contributing to mission-critical projects from concept through to launch and on-orbit operations. A blend of hands-on technical work and analytical design is required, with close collaboration across teams and customers.

Langham Recruitment Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom

Senior FPGA Engineer

This role involves leading the On-Board Data Handling (OBDH) subsystem in space satellite projects, from concept to launch. Responsibilities include managing system requirements, delivering technical solutions, interfacing with other technical leads, and designing and verifying FPGA systems in VHDL.

Langham Recruitment Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

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

Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer

A Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer to lead satellite payload integration and testing, focusing on RF systems validation, environmental testing, and cross-functional team leadership. The role involves hands-on development of test procedures, RF chain characterisation, and technical mentorship within a high-precision space engineering environment.

IO Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent Clearance Required

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

Associate Professor/ Assistant Professor* (Lecturer) roles in Astronautics (Space Engineering)

This role involves advancing research and teaching in space engineering within the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The successful candidate will contribute to the University's growing focus on astronautics, including areas such as space mission design, autonomous systems, and space sustainability. They will engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and help shape the future of space engineering education and research at a world-renowned institution.

University of Southampton Southampton, South East England, United Kingdom £46 – £74 pa

Permanent

SCC Database Manager

This role involves managing and maintaining SCC databases within a mission-critical aerospace manufacturing environment. The candidate will perform routine system maintenance, troubleshoot failures, and support software and database configuration under the guidance of a Software Manager. It requires hands-on technical expertise in Oracle databases and experience in high-reliability systems operations.

Tatton Recruitment Chippenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom £30 – £42 ph

On-site Contract Clearance Required