UK Space Jobs

Airbus Defence and Space · Portsmouth

Design, build and deploy complex automated test systems for space equipment, writing Python and Java test automation for instrument control, DUT sequencing and data acquisition. Works in a ~30-person team supporting RF and digital testing for satellite programmes, with a strong focus on test stability, CI/CD and architectural documentation.

Airbus Defence and Space · Stevenage

Configure, instrument and operate electrodynamic shaker systems to run vibration and shock tests on new spacecraft equipment, installing accelerometers and flight hardware. Maintain test instrumentation and facilities through calibration and record keeping, support audits and act as a quality delegate. The test lab runs 24 hours a day, so shift cover is essential.

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.

Astroscale · Didcot

Develops and maintains flight dynamics software for defence-focused space control missions, specifying algorithms and integrating with an in-house flight dynamics suite. Works in an Agile team with the commercial defence team and Chief Engineer, also supporting bids, customer training and ground segment verification and validation.

Morson Edge · Rowstock · £54 – £100 ph

Systems engineer role within a space propulsion centre of excellence, owning propulsion subsystem and equipment activities across Phase A-E for satellite programmes. Acts as primary technical lead for the subsystem in MAIT and architecture, managing work packages, requirements baselines, design reviews and non-conformances while interfacing with customers, PMO, AIT and suppliers. Involves analysis tooling in EcosimPro, MATLAB, Python and Excel, with occasional UK/Europe travel.

Foundational · London

Owns the full lifecycle of Satellite Laser Ranging and Space Debris Laser Ranging systems, from radiometric link-budget modelling and optical bench assembly to time-of-flight data processing and ground station deployment. Acts as laser safety subject matter expert and works across optical design, hardware integration and Python-based instrument control in a small startup team.

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 layout 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.

Surrey Satellite Technology · Guildford

Design, analyse, verify and deliver spacecraft power subsystems and analogue electronics, from battery charge/discharge regulators and DC-DC converters to power distribution and drive electronics. Acts as power subsystem lead on missions, working from concept through launch and operational life alongside technical leads across disciplines.

Eutelsat OneWeb · London

Provides 24/7 flight dynamics operations support on a shift rota, performing on-console work and real-time mission support from launch to de-orbit. Configures, troubleshoots and monitors orbit determination, maneuver, trajectory and attitude planning software, including collision avoidance planning, and develops operational procedures.

Holt Executive · Oxfordshire · £60,000 – £90,000 pa

This role involves trajectory planning, mission analysis, and developing software for spacecraft operations. You will work on complex orbital missions, including rendezvous, docking, and separation, and support real-time mission phases. The position offers a hybrid and flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Holt Executive · Oxfordshire · £60,000 – £94,000 pa

Develops advanced computer vision algorithms for object detection, tracking, and 6DoF pose estimation in autonomous systems. Leads technical design and validation, integrating vision solutions with embedded and flight software across multidisciplinary teams. Focuses on robust, deployable perception systems using LiDAR, cameras, and sensor fusion in safety-critical environments.

Open Cosmos Ltd · Didcot

Design and build processing chains that turn raw satellite data into calibrated, orthorectified, analysis-ready Earth Observation products. The role blends remote sensing, Python geospatial engineering and system integration, spanning payload definition, Cal/Val and scalable automated pipelines across multiple missions and sensors.

AST SpaceMobile · Edinburgh

Hands-on role in a small Edinburgh silicon team developing high-value ASIC and SoC designs for a space-based mobile broadband network. Involves micro-architecture specification, high-quality RTL development in SystemVerilog, SoC integration and subsystem work, collaborating with architecture, verification and software teams from concept through tape-out.

AST SpaceMobile · Edinburgh

Hands-on validation of complex integrated circuits, spanning pre-silicon FPGA prototype bring-up through post-silicon system-level validation. Defines test plans, lab infrastructure and automation, covering hardware, software and RF aspects, and works closely with System Definition, IC Design and Software teams in a small Edinburgh silicon group.

Eutelsat OneWeb · Issy-Les-Moulineaux, United Kingdom

Develops, validates and maintains in-house system performance simulators for next-generation satellite communication systems, running end-to-end modelling analyses to inform payload, platform and ground network design. Works within the End-to-End Systems Engineering organisation alongside architecture, software and commercial teams, using Julia or Python plus MATLAB, C++ or SQL, and presenting results to technical and non-technical audiences.