UK Space Jobs

• Stevenage
• Hybrid
• Entry level
• Permanent

Entry-level role in the Functional Verification Team, executing the full testing cycle on simulated and hybrid hardware benches. You'll validate spacecraft functional chains such as GNC and DHS, write automated test procedures, analyse data and investigate anomalies, supporting missions like ExoMars and Solar Orbiter.

Hardware Test Benches · Numerical Simulation

• Oakley
• On-site
• Mid-level
• Permanent

Support the Head of Engineering on multidisciplinary design challenges for unmanned systems, performing day-to-day CAD work, managing requirements, and contributing to design, integration, verification and testing across aerospace development projects. Involves material selection for composite and metallic components, payload and propulsion integration including all-electric and eVTOL applications, plus documentation, DFMEAs and risk assessments.

SolidWorks

• Didcot
• Senior

Lead the definition and development of advanced space mission concepts, from early customer discussions through to fully developed proposals. Define mission architectures across space, ground and launch segments, engage institutional and commercial customers, and drive proposal development with technical credibility and cost realism. Also mentor others and build tools to assess mission performance, risk, cost and schedule.

Mission Control Systems

• Didcot
• Hybrid
• Senior
• Permanent

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.

MATLAB · C++ · Python +1

• London
• On-site
• Permanent

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.

NumPy · SciPy · Pandas +7

• London
• On-site
• Permanent

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.

KiCad · Altium · C +4

• Edinburgh
• £36 ph
• Senior
• Contract

Design, develop, integrate and qualify advanced RF hardware from UHF to Ka Band for aerospace and space communication systems. The role covers active RF circuit design (LNAs, SSPAs, mixers, PLLs), link budget and line-up analysis, simulation with AWR/ADS/CST/HFSS, and hands-on testing with VNAs and spectrum analysers, including EMI/EMC and thermal vacuum qualification.

AWR Microwave Office · Keysight ADS · CST Studio Suite +7

• Didcot
• Hybrid
• Permanent

Design, develop, verify and deploy GNC algorithms and high-fidelity simulation environments for spacecraft, covering rendezvous and proximity operations, autonomous navigation, relative pose estimation and control. Work spans the full lifecycle from concept through simulation, testing, integration and on-orbit operations, collaborating with Systems, CV and Flight Dynamics teams.

MATLAB · Simulink · Python +3

• Reading
• Hybrid
• Mid-level
• Permanent

Designs satellite mechanical hardware including secondary structures, thermal-control hardware, cable routing and mechanisms, while managing a large shared 3D CAD assembly using top-down design and skeleton models. Maintains PLM data, BOMs and change control, runs clash checks and produces GD&T manufacturing drawings, supporting PDR/CDR reviews, prototyping and environmental testing in a small multidisciplinary team.

SolidWorks · CATIA · NX +6

• Gloucester
• £30 – £45 ph
• Mid-level
• Contract

Own the quality management system for a manufacturer of lightweight structures, writing procedures, running internal and supplier audits, producing FAIR/ISIR reports and driving root-cause corrective actions. Analyse defect and returns data to prioritise continuous improvement, train production staff and feed quality learnings back into design and manufacturing as the factory scales.

Statistical Analysis Software

• Chippenham
• On-site
• Mid-level
• Contract

Support the maintenance, administration and configuration of Oracle databases within a mission-critical aerospace and defence environment. Day-to-day work covers routine database maintenance, change implementation, backups and archiving, plus diagnosing and resolving system failures across RHEL, Solaris and Windows Server. The role sits alongside a Software Manager and requires active DV clearance and sole British nationality.

Oracle · Red Hat Enterprise Linux · Solaris +3

• Fareham
• £28,000 pa
• Entry level

A structured two-year graduate programme rotating through four six-month placements across core engineering disciplines, focused on cutting-edge 3D radar technology within the Sensor Systems Radar business. Graduates work hands-on with real systems at the Fareham campus, supported by managers and mentors, with a final placement and possible conversion to a permanent role.

MS Office Suite

• Chippenham
• Hybrid
• Mid-level
• Permanent

Day-to-day administration of the Spacecraft Control Centre's Linux and Cisco-based command and control systems, including installation, configuration, maintenance and restoration of capability across multiple sites. Acts as lead engineer for rollout plans, system upgrades and test procedures, working closely with the SCOF Engineering team and the customer on fault investigation and rectification.

Red Hat · RHCSA · Cisco +2

• London
• On-site
• Senior
• Permanent

Owns the spacecraft thermal architecture across all mission phases, defining control strategies, thermal budgets and hardware such as MLI, radiators, heat pipes and heaters. Leads thermal modelling in ESATAN-TMS, verification and TVAC testing, and may coordinate the Mechanical, Thermal and Propulsion domains on a mission. Acts as technical authority liaising with customers, suppliers and partners while mentoring thermal engineers.

ESATAN-TMS · MLI · Heat Pipes +4

• Glasgow
• Hybrid · 3 days in office
• Director · manages people

Lead the transformation of satellite constellation operations from manual, operator-driven processes to fully autonomous, self-healing systems. Set technical vision and architecture for reliability, data platforms and automation while staying hands-on with code and design reviews. Build and mentor a team of 6-10 reliability and platform engineers, driving SRE principles, SLOs and AI-driven anomaly detection.

Rust