Satellite Autonomy Engineer / Satellite Autonomy Engineeress

Lead / Senior Autonomy Engineer

Satellites fail silently, and the engineers who prevent that from happening are among the most vital professionals in the industry. Our client develops some of the most sophisticated spacecraft in operation, and they are seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer who can architect the fault management systems that ensure these systems remain operational in orbit. If you possess extensive experience in onboard FDIR, spacecraft autonomy, and have the capability to lead across a full program lifecycle, this role is tailored for you.

The Role

You will serve 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

Collaboration will be key as you will work across various disciplines, often guiding a multidisciplinary team. You will have a significant influence 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 satellite design and/or operations experience
• Hands-on experience designing, developing, and verifying spacecraft FDIR
• Experience with 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 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. 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