Future Tech Jobs Future Tech Jobs

Space Systems Engineer Jobs

Engineers who design, integrate, and test the complex systems that make up spacecraft and satellites. A critical role in ensuring mission success from launch to operation.

Open roles
27
Salary range
£42k – £90k
Hiring companies
15
View 27 live roles → Get an alert

Space Systems Engineers are at the heart of the UK's space sector, working on the intricate systems that power spacecraft and satellites. These engineers are responsible for the design, integration, and testing of everything from propulsion systems to communication networks. They work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that all components of a spacecraft function seamlessly, from the initial concept to the final mission. Major players in the industry, including research-heavy startups, scaleups, and the larger consultancies, all rely on the expertise of Space Systems Engineers to bring their projects to life.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Space Systems Engineer

A typical week for a Space Systems Engineer is a mix of design work, testing, and collaboration with other specialists.

  1. 01
    Conduct system-level design reviews with cross-functional teams.
  2. 02
    Perform simulations and analyses to optimise system performance.
  3. 03
    Participate in integration and testing of subsystems.
  4. 04
    Document and report on test results and system performance.
  5. 05
    Collaborate with project managers to ensure timelines and budgets are met.
  6. 06
    Stay updated on the latest industry standards and technologies.
Salary on the board

£42k – £90k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 60 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
10% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
44
68
17 jobs
Senior
50
120
15 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 81 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Systems Engineering
36%
Requirements Management
23%
MATLAB
19%
Simulink
12%
Technical Documentation
10%
Python
10%
System Architecture
10%
MBSE
9%
DOORS
9%
Rhapsody
9%
Project Management
7%
SysML
7%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

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

  1. Level 1

    Junior Space Systems Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the design and testing of spacecraft systems under the guidance of senior engineers.

  2. Level 2

    Space Systems Engineer

    3–5 yrs

    Take ownership of specific subsystems, leading design and testing efforts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Space Systems Engineer

    6–10 yrs

    Lead the integration and testing of complex spacecraft systems, ensuring they meet mission requirements.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Space Systems Engineer

    10+ yrs

    Oversee the entire systems engineering process, from concept to mission completion, and mentor junior engineers.

Pathway

How to become a Space Systems Engineer

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

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Gain a strong educational background in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

  2. 2

    Entry-Level Experience

    Start as a Junior Space Systems Engineer, learning the ropes and contributing to design and testing efforts.

  3. 3

    Specialisation

    Develop expertise in a specific area of space systems, such as propulsion, avionics, or thermal management.

  4. 4

    Leadership Roles

    Take on more responsibility, leading subsystem teams and managing complex projects.

  5. 5

    Strategic Oversight

    Advance to a Principal Engineer role, overseeing the entire systems engineering process and mentoring junior staff.

  6. 6

    Industry Expert

    Become a recognised expert in the field, contributing to industry standards and leading major space missions.

Live jobs

27 live roles

See all 27 roles →

Systems Engineer - Flight Test & Evaluation

Job Title: Systems Engineer - Flight Test & EvaluationLocation: Coningsby, LincolnshireSalary: £DOEThe RoleWe are seeking a Systems Engineer to provide critical systems and operational analysis in support of the design, evaluation, and assurance of Typhoon mission systems for the RAF.Embedded...

Gold Group Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, LN10 6QN, United Kingdom

Systems Engineering Team Lead

Leads a team of systems engineers while actively contributing to the design and development of complex spacecraft systems across the full lifecycle, from mission concept to integration and verification. Focuses on technical trade-offs, requirements management, and cross-disciplinary coordination within a high-tech space organisation. Offers leadership responsibility alongside hands-on engineering in a collaborative, international environment.

Holt Executive Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £65,000 – £98,000 pa

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

This role involves end-to-end systems engineering for spacecraft missions, from concept through design, integration, and in-orbit operations. The engineer will lead technical trade-offs, manage system budgets (mass, power, data), and ensure requirements traceability across subsystems. It requires strong cross-disciplinary coordination, support for testing and verification, and active involvement in mission-critical reviews and on-orbit commissioning.

Holt Executive Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £40,000 – £70,000 pa

Avionics Systems Engineer

Our client, a prominent organisation within the Defence and Security sector, is actively seeking a Avionics Systems Engineer to join their innovative team at RAF Coningsby. This permanent role offers the chance to work with cutting-edge defence technologies, contributing to...

Matchtech Lincolnshire, United Kingdom £42,000 – £55,000 pa

Senior Systems Engineer

A leading space technology business is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to support the development and delivery of next-generation spacecraft propulsion systems for commercial, scientific and defence space programmes.Working at the forefront of space propulsion technology, the business designs...

Cranleigh Scientific Westcott, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom

Power Systems Engineer

This role involves designing, analysing, and verifying spacecraft power systems, including battery regulators, power distribution, and DC-DC converters. The engineer will support module development, testing, and integration, from concept through to spacecraft-level thermal-vacuum testing. Work includes hands-on fault-finding, ATE configuration, and collaboration with senior engineers on qualification and new product development.

Surrey Satellite Technology Guildford, GU2 7YE, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Control Systems Engineer (Specialty Metals/Manufacturing)

This role involves delivering control system engineering projects from concept to commissioning within a high-purity metals manufacturing environment. You'll provide technical support for PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, troubleshoot recurring faults, and contribute to process improvements in a fast-paced industrial setting. The position offers hands-on work with advanced control systems and specialist machinery in a safety-critical aerospace supply chain.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Rotherham, United Kingdom £55,000 – £60,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Thermal Systems Engineer

The role involves leading thermal engineering efforts across satellite missions, including thermal modelling, test planning and execution, and hands-on support during AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Testing). The engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure spacecraft thermal performance in orbit and contributes to product development and process improvements within a fast-paced, innovative space technology environment.

Open Cosmos Ltd Didcot, OX11 0RL, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
See all 27 roles →
Top hirers

Companies hiring space systems engineers

See all companies →
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

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

London

Location
1 open

Glasgow

Location
1 open

Bristol

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • A degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is typically required. Relevant experience and certifications can also be beneficial.

  • Key skills include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficiency in systems engineering tools, and excellent communication and teamwork skills.

  • Career progression typically starts with entry-level roles, moves through specialisation and leadership positions, and culminates in strategic oversight and industry expertise.

  • Salaries can vary widely based on experience and location. For more detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

Hiring space systems engineers?

Post your role in 90 seconds and reach the specialist audience that already reads this page.

Post a job → See pricing

🍪 Basic, anonymous analytics (aggregate counts only, never shared) are always on. Accept to also enable third-party tools — Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity, Mixpanel, Leadfeeder — which help us match you with relevant Space roles. We never sell your data or use it for cross-site advertising. See our Cookie Policy.