Satellite Autonomy Engineer / Satellite Autonomy Engineeress

Lead / Senior Autonomy Engineer

Satellites fail silently, and the engineers who prevent such failures are some of the most critical professionals in the industry. Our client develops some of the most sophisticated spacecraft in operation and is seeking 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 Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR), spacecraft autonomy, and a comprehensive understanding of the full program lifecycle, this role 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 beginning to end. Your daily responsibilities will include:

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

You will collaborate across various disciplines, often leading a multidisciplinary team, and your input will significantly shape the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and architectural trade studies from the early phases of the program through 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 configurations.
• Familiarity with one or more satellite subsystems and/or system-level analysis.
• Understanding of satellite testing and/or on-orbit mission operations.
• US Person status required (US Citizenship needed for clearance eligibility).

What Sets Candidates Apart

• 9 or more years of satellite design and/or operations experience, particularly in mission or systems engineering.
• Experience 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.
• A background in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), systems engineering, or former mission operations is highly valued.

Apply online using the form below. 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