Satellite Autonomy Engineer / Satellite Autonomy Engineeress

Lead / Senior Autonomy Engineer

Satellites fail silently, and the engineers who prevent such failures are among the most vital professionals in the industry. Our client develops some of the most advanced spacecraft currently in operation and is seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to architect fault management systems that ensure spacecraft longevity in orbit. If you possess extensive experience in onboard Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) and spacecraft autonomy, along with the ability to lead across the entire program lifecycle, this position is tailored for you.

The Role

As the Autonomy Responsible Engineering Authority on programs and proposals, you will take ownership of the fault detection, isolation, and response architecture from start to finish. Your daily 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 will have significant influence on Concept of Operations (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 satellite design and/or operations experience.
• 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.
• Familiarity with satellite testing and/or on-orbit mission operations.
• US Person status required (US Citizenship required 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, building processes, and guiding engineering standards.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Background in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), systems engineering, or ex-mission operations is highly valued.

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.

Contact: Adam Slade