UK Space Jobs in Reading

• Reading
• Hybrid
• Mid-level
• Permanent

Structural analysis of flight hardware for VLEO satellites, covering static, modal, vibration, shock and quasi-static load cases. Builds and validates finite element models, performs hand calculations, and runs vibration and shock qualification test campaigns end-to-end, including instrumentation and model correlation. Works closely with mechanical, thermal, propulsion, systems and AIT teams across the full development lifecycle.

NASTRAN · ANSYS · Abaqus +3

• Milton Keynes
• Lead

Owns embedded software across the full development lifecycle, from requirements and block diagrams through coding, testing, qualification and in-orbit support. Works on Linux-based single-board computers and high-reliability microcontroller systems, including low-level drivers, BSPs and FPGA API design, and presents design reviews to customers and executives.

Linux · ARM · FPGA +1

• Milton Keynes
• Senior

Designs and implements embedded software across the full stack, from low-level drivers and board support packages to end-use applications, for Linux-based single-board computers and high-reliability microcontroller systems used in satellites, UAVs and launch vehicles. Involves code review, testing, qualification, in-orbit support and presenting design reviews to customers and executives.

Linux · FPGA · ARM

• London
• Hybrid
• Senior · manages people
• Permanent

Lead the Assembly, Integration and Testing campaign for a UK Active Debris Removal spacecraft, owning the plan from facility readiness through integration and environmental testing to launch delivery. The hands-on role covers TVAC, vibration, shock, acoustic and EMC campaigns, MGSE/EGSE oversight, and mentoring AIT engineers while coordinating UK and European test facilities and suppliers.

ECSS-E-ST-10-03 · MIL-STD-1540 · MGSE +1

• Stockton-on-Tees
• On-site
• Lead
• Permanent

Leads product assurance across space payload programmes from concept to customer delivery, ensuring compliance with ECSS, ESA and NASA standards. Works with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and programme teams on component qualification, non-conformance investigations and design reviews. Requires UK security clearance and existing right to work.

• London
• £55,000 – £75,000 pa
• Mid-level

Design, lay out, bring up and validate PCBs for high-speed digital avionics on autonomous spacecraft, owning subsystem architecture from concept through simulation to hardware testing and on-orbit readiness. Work hands-on with oscilloscopes, logic analysers and harness fabrication, collaborating with mechanical, systems and software teams on environmental qualification (EMC, vibration, thermal vacuum).

Linux · NVIDIA SoMs · FPGA +4

• London
• On-site
• Mid-level · manages people
• Permanent

Coordinate and execute Assembly, Integration, and Validation activities for current and upcoming space missions, authoring AIV plans, estimating resources, and overseeing daily test operations. Design and maintain test environments including hardware models, harnesses, and IT infrastructure, while driving process improvement and providing technical leadership to the AIV team.

• Stockton-on-Tees
• Hybrid
• Lead
• Permanent

Owns Filtronic's security governance and export control compliance framework, acting as Security Controller for Facility Security Clearance and IPSA approvals. Maintains relationships with the MoD, ISAC and regulators, oversees export licences and controlled goods, and prepares for audits. Works across Engineering, Commercial, Procurement and IT to embed controls and awareness.

FSC · IPSA · ITAR +1

• 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.

• 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

• London
• Hybrid
• Senior

Acts as a cornerstone of the Mission Analysis function within an integrated Flight Dynamics team, performing full mission lifecycle analysis from launch to de-orbit, including launch window analysis, maneuver planning, trajectory design and optimisation, orbit determination, constellation analysis, and conjunction assessment. Also supports FDS development and automation, writes engineering specifications and CONOPS documentation, and mentors junior engineers across GEO and LEO programmes.

Python · Java · OREKIT +5

• 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.

• Stevenage
• On-site
• Entry level
• Internship

A three-year Level 2 Engineering Operative apprenticeship building satellite structures at Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage. Apprentices develop mechanical skills such as bonding, riveting, drilling and torque loading alongside electrical techniques including crimping, splicing, harness installation and fault finding, working in small teams on spacecraft manufacture.

3DX

• Didcot
• Mid-level

Owns defined mission delivery activities across spacecraft development, integration, launch and operations, coordinating multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, AIT, supply chain and commercial teams. Maintains schedules, budgets, milestones and risk tracking, acting as day-to-day contact for internal stakeholders and selected customers or partners.

MS Project · Jira