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

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.

ClearSpace · London

Develops, integrates and validates GNC software within spacecraft flight software, spanning requirements, design, implementation and verification. Builds simulation environments, software development infrastructure and automated verification frameworks, and runs closed-loop GNC tests on FlatSat and representative test benches. Acts as the interface between the Flight Software and GNC teams across current and future missions.

Filtronic · Cambridge

Hands-on laboratory and workshop role supporting RF, electronics and mechanical development, from setting up measurements with network analysers and signal generators to soldering, PCB rework and cable assembly. You will run and tweak Python test scripts, build fixtures with 3D printing and CNC, and help move prototypes into production alongside RF, software and mechanical engineers.

Gregory Martin International · Portsmouth · £60,000 – £80,000 pa

Consultants work with government and industry clients to analyse problems, capture requirements, create architectures, assess options and make evidence-based recommendations, typically on defence and security research and procurement projects. The role spans the systems engineering lifecycle, from requirements elicitation and V&V to MBSE and trade-off studies, and involves leading technical consulting projects and building client relationships.

Foundational · London

Monitors autonomous satellite laser ranging stations, triages faults and coordinates fixes with field engineers and host sites. Builds dashboards, alerting and runbooks, tracks network performance and helps plan tracking schedules and on-call cover as the network expands across time zones.

Foundational · London

Designs the electronics that run autonomous satellite laser ranging stations, covering control, power and sensing plus interfaces linking lasers, detectors, telescopes and computers. Involves PCB design and bring-up, power distribution for remote sites, sensor integration, component selection and supplier management, with lab debugging and field support. Part of a small London team spanning optics, lasers, software and astrodynamics.

Astroscale · Didcot

Lead a team of 6-8 systems engineers who act as the technical linchpin for Astroscale UK's space systems projects across the product lifecycle. The role combines hands-on mission concept definition, requirements derivation, trade-off analysis and system architecture with line management, task planning, appraisals and recruitment. Distinct for its blend of deep space systems engineering and people leadership in an on-orbit servicing context.

Astroscale · Didcot

Lead the Ground Systems Team, owning the ground segment architecture, requirements and technical baseline across all subsystems, from conceptual design to maintenance. Drive integration, verification and validation, interface coherence and supplier technical governance, while line-managing 4-6 engineers and interfacing between Mission & Systems, Operations and Ground Segment Software teams.

NewOrbit Space · Reading

Owns the design, build and test of an RF gridded ion thruster, from performance calculations and ion optics through to vacuum-chamber testing and design iteration. Works alongside mechanical, electrical and control engineers to support the NEO-1 satellite and customer thruster deliveries, with test results feeding directly into flight configurations.

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.