Shape the Future of AIJoin one of the UK's fastest-growing companies and become a Professional Development Expert in Artificial Intelligence.

View Roles

Senior Systems Engineer (Spacecraft)

MDA Space
Stevenage
1 week ago
Create job alert

Join to apply for theSenior Systems Engineer (Spacecraft)role atMDA Space

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for theSenior Systems Engineer (Spacecraft)role atMDA Space

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,400 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there. For more information, visit www.mda.space.

We’re on the hunt for aSenior Systems Engineerwithin the Spacecraft Systems and Sensors team. Based at ourHarwell, Stevenage, or Manchesteroffices, the role will work with multiple teams across UK and Canadian sites.

MDA’s international footprint in the UK creates opportunities to work with some of the most exciting space industrial players in the country. Delivering all three business area capabilities in Geointelligence, Robotics & Space Operations, and Satellite Systems, our UK team provides support to our European-based customers while specializing in the development of advanced space sensors for exploration missions as well as space-based communication technology. As our presence grows overseas, so does our need for new ambitious team players to help us advance our place in the Universe and beyond.

Responsibilities

  • Providing a technical interface to customers and subcontractors
  • Capturing, deriving, and managing engineering requirements
  • Developing innovative solutions to engineering requirements
  • Producing system budgets (power budget, mass budget, etc.) and interface definition
  • Developing system architecture and concept of operations
  • Analyzing performance & justifying design choices
  • Reliability, availability and maintainability (including FDIR and FMECA)
  • Providing oversight and supervision to different engineering disciplines during design, integration and test
  • Simulator, Test Bed, and FlatSat definition
  • Planning test campaigns
  • Troubleshooting hardware and software for space missions
  • Analyzing test data and writing test reports
  • Providing clear documentation
  • Delivering verified flight equipment compliant to customer requirements

Essential

Suitable candidates will ideally have the following attributes:

  • 10+ years experience in design, manufacture and test of spacecraft and spacecraft systems
  • Understanding of communications systems
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to lead and develop less experienced engineers in a team setting
  • Excellent written and oral communication

Desirable

  • Experience with optics, optical sensors, and opto-mechanical assemblies
  • Understanding of 5G New Radio
  • Experience in modelling and simulation with STK and Matlab (or equivalent)
  • Familiarity with ECSS standards
  • Familiarity with Windchill or similar requirements management tools
  • Hands on experience of Manufacturing, Assembly and Testing

Personal Profile

  • Enthusiastic about space exploration
  • Keen to solve complex challenges
  • Committed team player who freely and proactively shares knowledge with others
  • Good analytical skills for identifying root cause issues
  • Able to define test cases to expose problems and develop robust solutions
  • Flexibility in understanding the need for change due to business re-focus
  • Willingness to travel to other MDA/partner locations for delivery of project objectives
  • Able to plan and execute assigned work on schedule
  • Detail oriented
  • Clearly communicates tasks, schedules and priorities with team members

We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it. An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA’s leadership in this next golden age.

Comments/Special Considerations

We are required to conduct a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening in which we will check your:

  • Right to work: To confirm that you are entitled to take up the position as well as check your nationality and immigration status
  • Identity: Full ID check
  • Criminal records: Basic Disclosure
  • Employment history check: Confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum) history/activity
  • Reference checks

Benefits Statement

MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan; and an employee assistance program. We also have a Hybrid work model in place, for a better work/life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

MDA is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

Accommodations

MDA Ltd. is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

#IND

Seniority level

  • Seniority levelMid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Employment typeFull-time

Job function

  • Job functionInformation Technology
  • IndustriesDefense and Space Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at MDA Space by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Senior System Engineer” roles.

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Stansted, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Watford, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

St Neots, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Potters Bar, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Luton, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago

Procore Form Administrator / Procore System Administrator

London Colney, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Ampthill, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago

Haringey, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Harlow, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

Stevenage, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Senior Systems and Infrastructure Engineer

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Senior System Integration Engineer, OMSD

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

St Albans, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Systems Engineer - Aerospace

Senior Systems Engineer - Aerospace

Senior Systems Engineer - Aerospace & Defence

Senior Systems Engineer - Aerospace

Senior Systems Engineer - Aerospace

Senior Systems Engineer - Aerospace

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

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

Industry Insights

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

10 Space Industry Recruitment Agencies in the UK You Should Know (2025 Job‑Seeker Guide)

From satellite systems and launch services to space exploration and downstream applications, the UK’s space sector is expanding rapidly. Lightcast data shows +32 % YoY growth in UK job ads mentioning “satellite”, “spacecraft”, “payload integration” or “space systems” in Q1 2025. With fewer than 7,500 professionals working in the field, demand is high for specialist skills. This guide lists 10 UK‑registered recruitment agencies with a clear focus on space industry hiring. All agencies have verified websites and active space sector recruitment.

Space Sector Jobs Skills Radar 2026: Emerging Tools, Technologies & Platforms to Learn Now

From launch vehicles and CubeSats to space-based communications, climate monitoring, and lunar exploration—UK space jobs are entering a bold new era. With government investment, private capital, and ESA partnerships driving growth, demand is surging for professionals with the right skills to build and sustain this expanding space economy. Welcome to the Space Sector Jobs Skills Radar 2026—your annual guide to the engineering tools, simulation platforms, programming languages and mission technologies that UK employers are prioritising. Whether you're an aerospace graduate, software engineer, or systems integrator, this radar helps you target the future of UK space careers.

How to Find Hidden Space Jobs in the UK Using Professional Bodies like the RAeS, UKSpace & More

The UK space sector is enjoying rapid growth—driven by satellite constellations, launch services, Earth observation, space science, and defence applications. But while demand for engineers, scientists, mission designers, and space analysts is high, many of the most compelling roles are never advertised publicly. Instead, these opportunities are often filled through professional networks, working groups, innovation clusters, and academic-industry partnerships. This guide will show you how to access hidden UK space jobs by engaging with bodies like the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), UKSpace, British Interplanetary Society (BIS), and regional space clusters. By leveraging membership directories, special-interest groups (SIGs), CPD events, and funded projects, you can position yourself to be first in line—even before roles are posted.