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

Joins a small, start-up-style team within a large defence and space organisation, shaping early-phase satellite missions from concept through initial design. Defines mission architectures, runs feasibility studies and trade-offs, and supports bids and customer engagement with universities, agencies and small companies. Combines systems engineering with modelling and simulation across varied, short-term projects.

Rolls Royce · Inchinnan

Mechanical Integrity & Analysis Engineers provide analytical expertise underpinning safe, reliable aerospace products across design, development and certification. Work spans structural and stress analysis, whole engine modelling, rotordynamics, vibration, lifing, durability and fatigue assessment within the Defence business. Roles sit in regulated engineering environments supporting product integrity and certification.

Rolls Royce · Bristol

Supports the management, control and utilisation of engineering information across the product lifecycle, working at the intersection of engineering, data and technology. Covers digital design and industrialisation, product data management, configuration management, PLM and engineering data governance for complex aerospace products in the Defence business.

Filtronic · Stockton-on-Tees

Responsible for creating, maintaining and coordinating production plans that support customer delivery and efficient use of manufacturing resources across multiple RF, microwave and millimetre-wave product lines. Works closely with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain and Project teams to balance demand, material availability and capacity, keeping ERP/MRP data accurate and supporting daily and weekly planning reviews.

Filtronic · Stockton-on-Tees

Design precision mechanical components and assemblies for high-frequency RF modules, including lightweight enclosures, heatsinks, liquid cooling and waveguide architectures. Use SolidWorks, CFD and FEA to validate thermal and structural performance, working closely with RF and electronics engineers from concept through volume production.

Saab · Oakley

Lead mechanical and aerospace design for unmanned systems, owning CAD architecture in SolidWorks, drawing release and configuration control. Conduct FEA and trade studies, integrate propulsion, payloads and structures, and support manufacturing, flight test and certification while mentoring engineers and managing technical risks.

Foundational · London

Operationally responsive member of the Astrodynamics team, monitoring orbit determination and prediction pipelines, identifying failure cases and improving them. Produces white papers and conference papers demonstrating SLR accuracy, supports customers with operational issues, and acts as key contact for ground station teams. Requires Python tooling for rigorous analysis of tracking data.

ClearSpace · London

Defines and evolves the flight software architecture and technical roadmap, supporting projects with architecture baselines, design decisions and standards. Acts as Software Subsystem Lead on selected missions, owning software design, system specification and delivery of scope, cost, schedule and quality, while mentoring the FSW team and coordinating external suppliers.

Orion Electrotech · Marlborough · £40,000 – £45,000 pa

Design-focused role developing advanced mechanical and engine-related systems for aerospace and defence programmes, taking concepts from initial design through testing, validation and implementation. Involves structural, thermal and fluid dynamic analysis using CAD and simulation tools, plus collaboration with systems and avionics teams. Hybrid working near Marlborough.

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.

Surrey Satellite Technology · Guildford

Oversees the technical execution, cost, budget and delivery of mechanisms project solutions, ensuring adherence to risk profiles and design policies. Leads a team of electro-mechanical engineers, managing work packages, resource conflicts and capability development while collaborating with Mechanism Experts and Project Managers. Includes hands-on support for debugging mechanism hardware and some project and design work.

Surrey Satellite Technology · Guildford

Design, implement and verify RF payload solutions for satellite missions, covering system-level performance analysis of communications, radar and SIGINT payloads. The role spans hardware specification for transmitters, receivers and antennas, signal processing, tool development, and payload verification through environmental test and in-orbit commissioning. It also includes work package management, budget and schedule planning, bid input and presenting technical progress to stakeholders.

Expert Employment · West Yorkshire · £32,000 – £48,000 pa

Designs, develops, integrates and tests complex opto-electronic and mechatronic systems for mission-critical space, defence and advanced technology applications. Works within multidisciplinary teams on optical, electronic, mechanical and software integration, plus measurement, control and test systems, verification and performance analysis. Suits engineers with high-reliability, precision instrumentation or space-qualified hardware experience.

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.