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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
41
Salary range
£38k – £90k
Hiring companies
13
View 41 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

£38k – £90k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 70 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
13% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
45
68
16 jobs
Senior
51
114
22 jobs
Lead
60
87
7 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 78 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Systems Engineering
37%
Requirements Management
24%
MATLAB
18%
Simulink
12%
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

41 live roles

See all 41 roles →

Senior Systems Engineer Consultant

As a Systems Engineering Consultant, you will work with clients to analyze problems, capture requirements, create architectures, and assess solutions using systems engineering methods. You will lead technical projects, develop novel approaches, and maintain client relationships in the defence, space, and security sectors.

Gregory Martin International Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom £60,000 – £80,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Principal Systems Engineer Consultant

The role involves leading major consulting projects in systems engineering, providing strategic advice on defence programs, and developing technical solutions. Responsibilities include mentoring teams, business development, and technical leadership in areas like MBSE and capability development.

Gregory Martin International Chippenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom £60,000 – £80,000 pa

Satellite Ground Station Systems Engineer

This role involves working on the research, design, and development of satellite ground station systems, including telemetry, tracking, and command systems, payload data downlink processing, and parabolic reception antennas. You will also contribute to technical project delivery, consultancy, and collaboration with universities and research centers.

Expert Employment Chilton, Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £38,000 – £68,000 pa

Senior Satellite Systems Engineer

This role involves leading the technical delivery of satellite and terrestrial communication projects, focusing on end-to-end system design and integration. The engineer will develop practical solutions using 5G, 6G, satellite, and IoT technologies, working closely with external partners and research organisations. Responsibilities include hands-on system integration, hardware setup, coding, and solving complex engineering challenges in emerging telecoms domains.

Expert Employment Westcott, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £65,000 – £70,000 pa

Senior GNC Systems Engineer

An innovative organisation operating at the forefront of the space sector is seeking a Senior GNC Systems Engineer to contribute to the design, development, integration and verification of advanced Guidance, Navigation and Control systems for complex satellite missions.This is a...

Holt Executive Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £60,000 – £94,000 pa

Senior Spectrum Systems Engineer

This role involves leading spectrum compliance for satellite systems, translating regulations like EPFD and PFD into technical design requirements. The engineer will develop end-to-end simulation models for interference and coexistence, support ITU filings, and guide frequency usage strategies across LEO constellations. Work includes both ground and in-orbit verification, with strong emphasis on regulatory alignment and system-level performance.

Open Cosmos Ltd Didcot, OX11 0RL, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

E2E System Engineer

The role involves end-to-end system engineering for space systems, focusing on analysing customer needs, defining system specifications and architecture, and leading integration, verification, and validation testing. The engineer ensures technical coherence across system design and interfaces, and demonstrates solutions to clients in a collaborative, high-tech environment. This position supports career growth within a global aerospace leader working on critical space missions.

Thales Alenia Space Italy

System Performance & Modelling Engineer

Develop high-fidelity simulation frameworks for LEO satellite communication systems, modelling end-to-end performance across orbital dynamics, air interface, payload, and network layers. Analyse system capacity, latency, reliability, and resource allocation to optimise constellation performance and support architectural trade studies.

Open Cosmos Ltd Didcot, OX11 0RL, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
See all 41 roles →
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

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

Portsmouth

Location
4 open

Oxford

Location
4 open

London

Location
2 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.

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