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Satellite Engineer Jobs

Design, build, and maintain the satellites that power global communications, Earth observation, and space science. A critical role in the UK's growing space sector.

Open roles
5
Salary range
£30k – £68k
Hiring companies
4
View 5 live roles → Get an alert

Satellite engineers are at the heart of the UK's space industry, working on cutting-edge projects that range from communications and Earth observation to scientific research. These professionals design, build, and maintain the satellites that enable a wide array of applications, from weather forecasting to national security. They work in a variety of settings, including aerospace companies, research institutions, and government agencies, contributing to both commercial and scientific missions.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Satellite Engineer

A typical week for a satellite engineer is a mix of design work, testing, and project management.

  1. 01
    Conducting design reviews and simulations
  2. 02
    Performing system integration and testing
  3. 03
    Collaborating with cross-functional teams
  4. 04
    Documenting technical specifications and reports
  5. 05
    Attending project meetings and status updates
  6. 06
    Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
Salary on the board

£30k – £68k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 7 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
47% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
30
60
5 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 6 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Data Cabling
33%
Python
33%
Automation
33%
Satellite Engineering
33%
Aerial Installation
33%
AV Systems
33%
Customer Service
33%
TV Aerial Installation
17%
Satellite Dish Installation
17%
RF Distribution
17%
IPTV Systems
17%
Wi-Fi Networks
17%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for satellite engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Satellite Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the design and testing of satellite systems, working under the guidance of more experienced engineers.

  2. Level 2

    Satellite Systems Engineer

    3–5 yrs

    Take ownership of specific subsystems, manage small teams, and contribute to the overall design and integration of satellite systems.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Satellite Engineer

    6–10 yrs

    Lead major projects, oversee the work of junior engineers, and ensure the successful delivery of complex satellite systems.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Satellite Engineer

    10+ yrs

    Provide strategic direction, lead large-scale projects, and act as a technical authority on satellite engineering within the organisation.

Pathway

How to become a Satellite Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Complete a degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Gain foundational knowledge in satellite systems and space technology.

  2. 2

    Entry-Level Experience

    Start as a junior satellite engineer, working on design and testing under the supervision of more experienced colleagues.

  3. 3

    Specialisation

    Develop expertise in a specific area of satellite engineering, such as communications, propulsion, or thermal systems.

  4. 4

    Project Management

    Take on leadership roles, managing projects and teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of satellite systems.

  5. 5

    Technical Authority

    Become a recognised expert in satellite engineering, providing strategic direction and technical leadership within the organisation.

  6. 6

    Industry Influence

    Contribute to industry standards and best practices, and influence the future of satellite technology through research and innovation.

Live jobs

5 live roles

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

Electronics Engineer – Satellite Manufacturing (AIT Production)

This role involves hands-on integration, testing, and validation of electronic assemblies for satellites, including troubleshooting PCBs and supporting production. The engineer will develop test procedures, ensure compliance with aerospace standards, and collaborate across engineering and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable, space-ready hardware.

Open Cosmos Ltd Didcot, OX11 0RL, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Satellite Payload Processing Engineer

Design and build end-to-end processing pipelines to transform raw satellite data into calibrated, orthorectified, and analysis-ready Earth Observation (EO) products. Collaborate with mission engineers, sales, and customers to define product specifications and ensure data usability across multiple payloads. Integrate workflows into scalable, automated systems while supporting payload calibration, validation, and multi-sensor operations.

Open Cosmos Ltd Didcot, OX11 0RL, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
Spire logo

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

Engineering Manager (Satellites/ Communications)

Engineering Manager (Satellites/ Communications)£70,000 - £80,000 + Career Development + Progression + Holiday + Pension + Company Share Scheme + Healthcare + Life Insurance + Enhanced BenefitsSite based, Commutable from Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Abergavenny, Ledbury, Coleford, Leominster and surrounding areasAre you...

Rise Technical Recruitment Hereford, Herefordshire, United Kingdom £70,000 – £80,000 pa
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

Glasgow

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • A degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is typically required. Relevant internships and practical experience are also valuable.

  • Strong technical skills in areas like systems engineering, materials science, and thermal management are essential. Project management and teamwork skills are also important.

  • Working hours can vary, but they often follow a standard 9-to-5 schedule. However, project deadlines and testing phases may require longer hours.

  • Career progression typically involves moving from junior roles to senior and principal positions, with increasing responsibility and leadership. See the career pathway section for more details.

  • Salaries for satellite engineers can vary based on experience, location, and the specific role. For more detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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