Satellite Missions Architect (Future Programmes)

Matchtech
south east england, england
1 year ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Satellite Engineer

Satellite Software Engineer

Space Systems Engineer

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Senior Technical Architect - Utilities

Senior Technical Architect - Utilities (6 month FTC)

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Missions Architect position in Future Programmes team, reporting to the Head of Future Programmes.

Key skills required for this role

Systems Engineering and Bids

Important

Satellite Missions Architect (Future Programmes)

Job description

Senior Systems Engineer with bid experience.

The Role

As a Future Programs Missions Architect, you will work closely with Chief Engineers, Key Account managers, relevant Heads of Business and Business Development director to produce high quality and pragmatic technical solutions for new mission prospects and bid / tender activities. As part of future programmes, you will help pioneer future product development base on emerging space markets and customer needs. You will prepare projects for smooth transition from prospect / bid phase to satellite mission projects handing over to lead system engineers and project managers.

With customers based around the world, there will be opportunities to visit customers to present envisaged solutions and to attend conferences to promote the product portfolio.

Key Tasks

Role to include, but not limited to:

Work with the Business Development & Sales Director, relevant Heads of Business, relevant Key Account Managers and the Chief Engineers to develop a technical solution suitable for each new business opportunity; Define the system characteristics of new solutions considering the customer requirements; Work with and within the bid teams to ensure that the technical solution is described in a way that maximises the chance of success; Ensure consistency across the technical offerings to customers and current mission and design activities within the firm; Steer ongoing product development activities so that they remain aligned with the technical objectives of BDS activities; Provide a smooth transition from prospect and bid activities to the subsequent project technical lead; Maintain an overview of system engineering solutions across standard biddable products; Work with the Mission Concepts team responsible for road-mapping activities to ensure an effective handover between long-term strategy and day-to-day implementation.

Previous Experience

Working knowledge of engineering concepts for missions ranging from LEO to GEO and beyond; Knowledge of Earth Observation applications and services market; Demonstrable experience of strategic planning & thinking; Experience of interfacing with customers; Experience in mission delivery, preferably whole life cycle - bid through to commissioning, however someone without this experience will be considered if they meet the knowledge criteria.

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

A degree or equivalent in an engineering or technical discipline; Excellent inter-personal and communication skills, able to influence, persuade and negotiate with people at all levels (externally & internally) as well as to assist in reaching acceptable solutions to conflicting requirements; Good team working skills, together with the ability to interface with others at all levels, including customers; Ability to work closely with technical teams to understand and grasp concepts and issues and translate those to schedule and cost impacts with a balanced approach to risk; Results orientated with a strong drive to deliver; Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and to tight timescales; Excellent planning and organising skills. Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities; Ability to multi-task and deliver both immediate and longer term tasks; Able to work autonomously, be pro-active and use own initiative; High degree of organisation and self-motivation; Creative, strategic thinking and ability to look at different ways of doing things; Excellent decision making and creative problem solving skills, including making complex decisions in a timely manner; Good technical writing and presentation skills; Good knowledge of MS Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Microsoft Project; Able to demonstrate company mindsets and behaviours; Be accountable, Drive & delivery, Communicate effectively, Self-manage effectively, Work as one team. Share

manages this role

Matchtech is a STEM Recruitment Specialist, with over 35 years’ experience

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Space Jobs in the UK Public Sector: Opportunities Across Defence, Research, and Beyond

The UK’s space sector is undergoing a renaissance, propelled by innovations in satellite technology, research on deep space missions, and a growing demand for earth observation data that underpins everything from climate monitoring to defence planning. While private companies like OneWeb, SSTL, and UK-based start-ups garner headlines, the public sector plays a pivotal role in shaping and supporting Britain’s space ambitions. From the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to research councils and national agencies, government bodies drive cutting-edge projects that require a broad range of skills—from engineering and astrophysics to policy and project management. For professionals looking to make a tangible impact on national priorities and scientific progress, space jobs in the UK public sector offer a unique combination of challenge, stability, and societal benefit. Whether you want to design next-generation satellites, coordinate launch sites, or develop satellite applications for healthcare and environmental services, this sector provides numerous pathways. In this extensive guide, we’ll delve into why space is a strategic focus for the UK government, highlight key public sector organisations, explore typical roles, discuss the essential skills and qualifications, and give you practical tips for landing a space job that shapes the future of British space endeavours.

Contract vs Permanent Space Jobs: Which Pays Better in 2025?

From small satellite launches to deep‑space exploration, the UK space industry is soaring to new heights. Innovations in rocket propulsion, Earth observation, satellite communications, and space debris management have created a thriving job market—ranging from satellite engineers and mission analysts to business development leads and regulatory experts. Yet, with so many emerging roles, professionals often wonder which type of employment—day‑rate contracting, fixed-term (FTC), or permanent positions—delivers the best pay and most favourable career conditions. In this blog post, we delve into the pros, cons, and earning potential of each employment format. We also provide sample take‑home pay scenarios to illustrate how annual income can differ when working as a self‑employed contractor vs. on an FTC or in a permanent role. If you are contemplating your next move in this exciting sector, read on to discover the key factors that will help you determine whether contract or permanent space jobs are more lucrative in 2025—and how each path aligns with your long‑term career goals.

Thales Alenia Space Jobs in 2025: Your Complete UK Guide to Building Europe’s Next‑Generation Satellites & Lunar Gateways

From pressurised modules orbiting the Moon to broadband mega‑constellations 1,200 km above Earth, Thales Alenia Space (TAS) sits at the heart of Europe’s space ambitions. A joint venture between Thales (67 %) and Leonardo (33 %), TAS employs more than 8,500 people across 17 sites—with growing hubs in Bristol and the Harwell Space Cluster. The firm is lead contractor for Europe’s IRIS² secure‑connect constellation (green‑lit in 2024) and supplies modules for NASA/ESA’s Lunar Gateway. Unsurprisingly, TAS has ramped up hiring: a quick scan of the Thales Alenia Space careers portal shows vacancies in systems engineering, RF payloads, AIT and mission operations. Whether you are a UK graduate dreaming of building communications payloads, a thermal engineer keen to keep lunar habitats at room temperature, or a programme manager itching to deliver the next Copernicus Earth‑observation satellite, this guide explains how to land a Thales Alenia Space job in 2025.