Satellite Autonomy Engineer / Satellite Autonomy Engineeress

Lead / Senior Autonomy Engineer

Satellites fail silently, and the engineers who prevent these failures are among the most vital players in the industry. Our client builds some of the most sophisticated spacecraft in operation and seeks a Senior Autonomy Engineer to architect the fault management systems that ensure these systems remain operational in orbit. If you possess extensive experience in onboard FDIR, spacecraft autonomy, and leadership across the full program lifecycle, this role is tailored for you.

The Role

You will act as the Autonomy Responsible Engineering Authority on programs and proposals, owning the fault detection, isolation, and response architecture from start to finish. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Defining satellite states, modes, and transitions.
• Designing and validating onboard fault responses.
• Leading requirements decomposition.
• Supporting console operations for on-orbit missions.

You will collaborate across various disciplines, often guiding a multidisciplinary team, and have a significant impact on CONOPS and architecture trade studies from the early phases of the program through to validation and testing.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field with 5 or more years of experience in satellite design and/or operations.
• Hands-on experience in designing, developing, and verifying spacecraft FDIR.
• Experience in developing and verifying spacecraft autonomy software or configuration.
• Familiarity with one or more satellite subsystems and/or system-level analysis.
• Knowledge of satellite testing and/or on-orbit mission operations.
• US Person status required (US Citizenship is necessary for clearance eligibility).

What Sets Candidates Apart

• 9 or more years of satellite design and/or operations experience, particularly in a mission or systems engineering capacity.
• Experience in designing mission CONOPS and deriving fault and autonomy requirements directly from them.
• Technical leadership experience, including setting program direction, establishing processes, and guiding engineering standards.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• A background in GNC, systems engineering, or ex-mission operations is highly valued.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade