E2E Space Systems Communications Engineer

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This role is based in Harwell, UK, supporting the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with over 55 years of experience and has supported more than 50 missions for major agencies worldwide.

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• Support the design and development of end-to-end communication and navigation systems for space missions.
  
• Define and assess system architectures, from physical to application layer.
  
• Analyse communication and navigation system performance, including link and performance budgets, data flow and encryption needs.
  
• Contribute to system engineering tasks across all project phases, including design, verification and validation.
  
• Participate in mission studies and technical reviews.
  
• Prepare technical documents and reports and support procurement activities.
  
• Work on system integration and ensure consistency between space, ground, and user segments.
  
• Coordinate with the Space Segment and Ground Segment teams to ensure smooth integration.
  
• Define and manage system requirements, user interfaces, and service level agreements.
  
• Ensure system compliance with technical and performance indicators.
  
• Support the development and validation of the Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) system.
  
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure interoperability and service quality.
  
• Support R&D activities related to future communication and navigation concepts.
  
• Contribute to ESA’s work on standards and specifications (ECSS, CCSDS).
  

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• Master’s or PhD degree in Telecommunications or Electronic Engineering.
  
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, preferably in communication or navigation system engineering for space missions.
  
• Strong knowledge of system engineering principles, including design, integration, verification and validation.
  
• Experience with system-level analysis (link budgets, performance budgets, requirements).
  
• Previous work on space mission applications such as communications, navigation, exploration or Earth observation.
  
• Good understanding of R&D processes and project life cycles.
  
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
  
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
  
• Able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
  
• Eligible for security clearance and export control authorisation.
  
• Candidates must be UK nationals.
  

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• Flexible hybrid working.
  
• 30 days of paid leave.
  
• Pension scheme and life insurance.
  
• Comprehensive sickness pay and health benefits.
  
• Training and career development opportunities.
  
• Social activities and an international work environment.
  

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the likes of ESA, CNES, EUMETSAT, EUSPA, ASI and NASA. We offer space capabilities across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to national strategies across Europe and the globe.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

Defense and Space Manufacturing