UK Space Jobs

Flarebright · Bicester · £39,000 – £49,000 pa

Contributes across the full development lifecycle, from concept and algorithm design to system integration, testing and troubleshooting of safety-critical navigation and autonomy software in C++. Works with a multidisciplinary team on real-time embedded systems, hardware/software-in-the-loop testing and flight test activities, producing design documentation and test reports.

Airbus Defence and Space · Stevenage

Design, build and maintain automated test systems for space equipment, writing clean Python and Java code to control instruments, sequence devices under test and acquire data for RF and digital satellite hardware. Work in a ~30-person team, authoring architecture blueprints, API docs and CI/CD best practices, with hybrid and flexible working options.

Airbus Defence and Space · Portsmouth

Designs, codes and maintains test automation software in Python and Java for complex satellite equipment test sites, automating instrument control, DUT sequencing and data acquisition for RF and digital space hardware. Works in a ~30-person team alongside system engineers, authoring architectural blueprints, API docs and CI/CD best practices. Requires UK SC clearance eligibility and a polyglot, hardware-automation background.

Expert Employment · Aylesbury · £28,000 – £43,500 pa

Conduct hot fire testing of rocket propulsion systems using propellant and pressurant feed systems, including design and execution of test setups. Work with ground support and electrical ground support equipment in a space engineering context. Ideal for engineers with hands-on experience in mechanical, aerospace, or physics-based roles focused on rocketry and fluidic control systems.

Teledyne e2v · Chelmsford

Develops and executes test plans for high-power RF products, performing performance evaluations, fault finding and failure analysis using spectrum and network analysers. Provides customer-facing application support and works with design, manufacturing and quality teams from prototype to production. Suits a hands-on production test engineer in a small multi-disciplined RF Power team.

Saab · Oakley

Manage flight test planning, ground preparation and field execution for unmanned aerial vehicles, acting as a UAV pilot to gather telemetry and performance data. Analyse flight data against design metrics and produce detailed test reports for engineering teams, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance throughout the testing lifecycle.

CesiumAstro · Milton Keynes

Owns integration and verification of space-communication systems spanning digital and analogue hardware, building and maintaining test setups and software for modem and link validation at baseband and RF level. Involves calibration and metrology analysis, Python-based modular test tooling, and troubleshooting link performance alongside DSP, hardware and software teams.

Teledyne e2v · Chelmsford

Hands-on role spanning clean-room and office work, owning verification and test across Space and Science imaging detector projects. You define test flows, commission OGSE/EGSE/MGSE equipment with scripting and coding, run functional, electrical, mechanical and environmental tests, and train operations staff, working closely with project teams and manufacturing to ECSS standards.

NewOrbit Space · Reading

Runs the propulsion test programme that turns AURA RF gridded ion thruster designs into verified, flight-ready hardware, using NewOrbit's own vacuum facilities. Builds test rigs, operates vacuum systems, RF generators, high-voltage supplies and thrust balances, runs plasma diagnostics and feeds findings back to the design team. Works closely with propulsion, mechanical, electrical and control engineers on NEO-1 and customer thruster deliveries.

NewOrbit Space · Reading

Owns functional and system-level testing of spacecraft and verification tracking for each satellite campaign, taking satellites from integrated subsystems to flight-ready, fully verified vehicles. Bridges systems engineering, subsystem teams and AIT functions, turning requirements into test procedures, leading test campaigns and closing out requirements with traceable evidence. Hands-on with EGSE, checkout systems and RF test equipment in a SmallSat environment.

CesiumAstro · Cambridge

Owns end-to-end design of complex electronics modules for satellites and aerospace systems, covering architecture, schematic, PCB layout in Altium, analysis, bring-up and production release. Also leads teams of hardware engineers, mentors staff and presents design reviews to customers and executives.

Nexithon Ltd · Aylesbury

Hands-on role in a Test Group designing, building and maintaining propellant and pressurant feed systems, Ground Support Equipment and Electrical Ground Support Equipment for chemical rocket engines and thrusters. Involves interpreting test plans, running HAZOPs and risk assessments, supporting propulsion testing, analysing data and presenting results to Engineering and customers. Work spans offices, cleanrooms and test facilities, with occasional late shifts, nights and weekends.

Safran · Wolverhampton

Design, develop, commission and support advanced aerospace test rigs, building real-time control solutions and integrating hardware and software across the full lifecycle. Work with LabVIEW, NI platforms, PLCs, Beckhoff, TwinCAT and EtherCAT on hydraulic, electro-mechanical and actuation test equipment, diagnosing faults and improving legacy systems within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Expert Employment · Aylesbury · £38,000 – £42,000 pa

Design, develop and assemble test equipment and ground support systems for rocket engines and propulsion systems within a Test Group. Duties include developing test procedures, carrying out testing, risk assessments and safety reviews, analysing test data and supporting hot-fire testing and new product development. Hands-on mechanical fitting work in test facilities, cleanrooms and outdoor environments.

Cortech Talent Solutions · Stirling · £40,000 – £65,000 pa

Develop, test and debug embedded software for electronics, supporting integration of microprocessors, microcontrollers, FPGAs and SoC devices. Assist with FPGA development including RTL design, simulation and verification using Verilog and VHDL, plus system-level testing and hardware/software integration. Collaborate with hardware, FPGA and software engineers on flight-computer solutions for aerospace, satellites and spacecraft.

Filtronic · High Peak

Design precision mechanical components and assemblies for high-frequency RF modules, including lightweight enclosures, heatsinks, liquid cooling and waveguide architectures. The role spans SolidWorks CAD, thermal CFD and structural FEA, plus manufacturability support through CNC, die-casting and additive processes, working closely with RF and electronics engineers on space, defence and telecom products.