Satellite Autonomy Engineer / Satellite Autonomy Engineeress

Lead / Senior Autonomy Engineer

Satellites fail silently, and the engineers who prevent this from happening are among the most essential professionals in the industry. Our client builds some of the most sophisticated spacecraft in operation and is seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer who can architect the fault management systems that keep these satellites operational in orbit. If you have extensive experience in onboard FDIR and spacecraft autonomy, alongside the ability to lead throughout 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. On a day-to-day basis, your 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 disciplines, often guiding a multidisciplinary team, and your influence will extend to CONOPS and architecture trade studies from early program phases 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 configurations
• 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 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 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.

Adam Slade