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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
32
Salary range
£39k – £90k
Hiring companies
19
View 32 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

£39k – £90k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 67 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
12% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
45
68
16 jobs
Senior
50
119
17 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 79 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Systems Engineering
37%
Requirements Management
24%
MATLAB
18%
Simulink
11%
Technical Documentation
10%
System Architecture
10%
MBSE
9%
Python
9%
DOORS
9%
Rhapsody
9%
Project Management
8%
SysML
8%
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

32 live roles

See all 32 roles →

Systems Engineer - Radar

IntroductionSaab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence...

Saab Fareham, 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

Systems Safety Engineer

The role involves overseeing the development and implementation of safety processes for unmanned air systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. You will assess hazards, develop safety cases, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to promote a strong safety culture.

Malloy Aeronautics Ltd Maidenhead, SL6 1QB, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

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

Propulsion Systems Engineer

This role involves leading propulsion subsystem engineering activities across satellite programmes, from concept through to delivery, with responsibilities spanning technical leadership, requirements definition, design justification, and integration and test planning. The engineer will manage work packages, support major design reviews, develop analysis tools in EcosimPro, MATLAB, and Python, and resolve technical anomalies during AIT. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders is central to ensuring propulsion system performance and mission success.

Morson Edge Rowstock, Oxfordshire, OX11 0LX, United Kingdom £54 ph
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Propulsion Systems Engineer

This role involves systems engineering for satellite propulsion systems, focusing on trade-off analysis, requirements generation, and system design across fluidic, thermal, and electrical domains. The engineer will perform FMECA and other system analyses while supporting manufacturing and assembly planning. Work is conducted in collaboration with national and European space agencies on defence and scientific spacecraft projects.

Expert Employment Lower Hartwell, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £35,000 – £46,000 pa

Optical Systems Engineer

Design and develop space-borne optical systems from concept through manufacturing, integration, and verification. Lead optical metrology and environmental testing programmes, support payload alignment, and manage technical documentation for spacecraft optical payloads. Work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-performance imaging systems for space applications.

Surrey Satellite Technology Guildford, GU2 7YE, United Kingdom

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
See all 32 roles →
Top hirers

Companies hiring space systems engineers

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Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

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

Bristol

Location
3 open

Oxford

Location
3 open

Cambridge

Location
2 open

Glasgow

Location
1 open

Rotherham

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.

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