UK Space Jobs

• Edinburgh
• On-site
• £21 – £31 ph
• Mid-level
• Contract

Develops and tests software for quantum key distribution payloads and ground segment systems on the QKDSat satellite programme, working with Java, C++ or Python in Agile cycles. The senior variant leads development, testing frameworks and CI/CD pipelines, coordinating with ESA and international partners. Roles span two levels on a security-critical, internationally collaborative space project.

QKD · OPS-SAT VOLT

• Guildford
• Mid-level

Hands-on security infrastructure role maintaining and hardening core IT systems, with a focus on embedding security into design rather than treating it separately. Day-to-day work spans 3rd line support, vulnerability remediation, access control, SIEM/EDR tooling, cloud platforms, IaC automation and CSIRT incident response. Distinct for its blend of infrastructure engineering, compliance and active incident readiness.

AWS · Azure · Google Cloud +7

• Guildford

Lead the development and delivery of next-generation spacecraft optical payloads, from concept through manufacture, integration and verification. Hands-on work includes interferometry, MTF bench setups, wavefront measurement, precision alignment and environmental test campaigns, while owning requirements, V&V plans, risk registers and customer-facing technical documentation within a multidisciplinary team.

OpticStudio · Zemax · FRED +1

• 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

• Forfar
• Hybrid
• Lead

Lead application design and implementation for product catalogue and CPQ platforms supporting global satellite connectivity services. Translate business requirements into solution designs, model products within catalog and order management systems, and ensure integration between CRM, catalog, CPQ, provisioning and billing. Provide technical leadership and mentorship while working with architecture and engineering teams on API-driven, microservices-based solutions.

Conga · Zuora · Salesforce +4

• London
• Hybrid

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.

GMAT · OREKIT · STK +5

• Glasgow
• Hybrid · 3 days in office
• Senior

Design, implement, test and maintain embedded firmware for satellite systems, working across engineering groups on architecture and system design. Debug on-orbit and on-ground issues, optimise serial protocols and build interface tooling, using Embedded C, FreeRTOS, Python, Bash and Git on Linux. Fast design-to-launch cycles measured in weeks.

FreeRTOS · GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain · GDB +6

• Reading
• Hybrid
• Mid-level
• Permanent

Own the spacecraft thermal control system end to end, running steady-state and transient analyses across launch, orbit and end-of-life phases. Design MLI, radiators, heaters and coatings, and support TVAC test procedures and hardware validation alongside mechanical, propulsion and electronics teams.

Systema · Thermal Desktop · ESATAN +2

• Chippenham
• Hybrid
• Senior
• Permanent

Provide end-to-end cyber security support for Spacecraft Control Centre Systems and Satellite Communications infrastructures, analysing functional needs, setting criticality levels and designing security protection concepts. Coordinate defence strategies across disciplines, manage risks and ensure alignment with the overall security architecture, working with Solaris, Linux, Windows and Cisco environments under JSP440.

Solaris · Linux · Windows +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

• Stevenage
• Hybrid
• Entry level
• Permanent

Hands-on assembly, integration and testing of satellite systems, covering complex harness routing, soldering, crimping, bonding, torqueing, drilling and shimming, plus basic electrical testing such as continuity, bonding and insulation. Also involves first-level quality inspections, working from technical documentation, and supporting off-site testing and launch site activities, including working at heights.

• Basingstoke
• On-site
• £65,000 pa

Provide pre-sales technical support across sales, projects and engineering in satellite communications and broadcast, joining account managers on customer visits and coordinating engineering input for key accounts. Develop product knowledge, build supplier relationships, deliver internal training and share market insight, with potential to take on a portfolio of key customer accounts.

• Chandler, United States
• £120,000 – £170,000 pa
• Senior

Lead the design, development and debug of complex FPGA SoC systems for satellite communications, covering IP integration, high-performance RTL and firmware. Work spans VHDL/SystemVerilog, Xilinx Vivado and Altera Quartus, AXI interfaces, timing analysis and gigabit transceiver protocols within a Platforms and FPGA SoC Group.

Xilinx Vivado · Altera Quartus · ModelSim +7

• London
• Hybrid
• Senior

Build and maintain backend systems for a temporospatial software-defined networking platform used in satellite and airborne mesh networks. Work on orchestration and management of planetary mesh networks spanning land, sea, air and space, using technology originally acquired from Google.

• London
• Hybrid
• Senior

Builds backend software for software-defined networking platforms that orchestrate satellite, airborne and deep-space mesh networks, working with technology originally acquired from Google. The role sits within an aerospace-focused engineering team managing communications across any radio or optical spectrum, orbit or hardware.