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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
7
Salary range
£30k – £71k
Hiring companies
3
View 7 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 – £71k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 9 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
56% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 3 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Data Cabling
67%
Satellite Engineering
67%
Aerial Installation
67%
AV Systems
67%
Customer Service
67%
TV Aerial Installation
33%
Satellite Dish Installation
33%
RF Distribution
33%
IPTV Systems
33%
Wi-Fi Networks
33%
AV Equipment
33%
Commercial TV Systems
33%
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

7 live roles

Satellite Systems Engineer

This role involves designing and integrating terrestrial and satellite communication systems, with a focus on next-generation 5G and 6G technologies. The engineer will work on end-to-end system integration, connect telecoms components with embedded hardware, and collaborate with external research and industry partners. The position is technically hands-on, requiring strong systems engineering and problem-solving skills in a cutting-edge telecoms environment.

Expert Employment Westcott, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £60,000 – £65,000 pa

Senior Satellite Systems Engineer

This role involves leading the technical delivery of satellite and terrestrial communication projects, focusing on end-to-end system design and integration. The engineer will develop practical solutions using 5G, 6G, satellite, and IoT technologies, working closely with external partners and research organisations. Responsibilities include hands-on system integration, hardware setup, coding, and solving complex engineering challenges in emerging telecoms domains.

Expert Employment Westcott, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £65,000 – £70,000 pa

Mechanical Design Engineer (Space/Satellite)

This role involves owning the end-to-end mechanical design and documentation for space hardware, payloads, and MGSE. Responsibilities include creating precise CAD models, assembly drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation, as well as providing hands-on support for prototyping, assembly, AIT, and mechanical testing.

GlobalTech Recruitment London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Freelance
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

Satellite Communications Telecommunications Systems Engineer

This role involves developing and deploying satellite and terrestrial communication systems for next-generation 6G connectivity, with a focus on Non-Terrestrial Networks. The engineer will lead technical delivery, contribute to system architecture, and collaborate with research institutions and commercial stakeholders on innovation projects. Key activities include end-to-end network design, field deployment, and integration of satellite communications with 5G/6G and IoT technologies.

Expert Employment Chilton, Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £38,000 – £75,000 pa

Satellite Communications Payload Systems Engineer

This role involves working on radio frequency and optical communications spacecraft equipment, including deep technical design of space antennas, transponders, high power amplifiers, and receivers. You will also engage in collaborative projects, bid writing, and technical consultancy.

Expert Employment Chilton, Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £38,000 – £68,000 pa

Satellite Ground Station Systems Engineer

This role involves working on the research, design, and development of satellite ground station systems, including telemetry, tracking, and command systems, payload data downlink processing, and parabolic reception antennas. You will also contribute to technical project delivery, consultancy, and collaboration with universities and research centers.

Expert Employment Chilton, Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £38,000 – £68,000 pa
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

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

Oxford

Location
3 open

London

Location
1 open

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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