Spacecraft Systems Engineer / Spacecraft Systems Engineeress

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Spacecraft don’t get built by people who only write requirements documents; they are constructed by systems engineers who can trace a single design decision all the way from concept to a vehicle operating in orbit. Our client is seeking an experienced spacecraft systems engineer to take ownership of the technical thread across a programme, leading requirements definition, design, integration and test, as well as verification and validation for the complete space vehicle. If “systems engineer” to you means building spacecraft rather than merely producing paperwork, and you possess the breadth of knowledge to work across every subsystem on a programme, this role is worth exploring.

The Role

You will own the technical thread for spacecraft systems through all phases, including:

• Concept development
• Trade studies
• CONOPS definition
• Requirements decomposition and allocation
• Interface definition
• Verification and validation
• Support for integration and test
• On-orbit anomaly resolution

Collaboration will be key as you work across every subsystem team, applying model-based systems engineering techniques to define and integrate the spacecraft system. You will also engage with programme and financial leadership to ensure effective execution. This role includes mentoring junior systems engineering and subsystem staff while contributing to the continuous improvement of systems engineering processes.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a science discipline with a minimum of 5 years of directly relevant spacecraft systems experience (or a Master’s degree with at least 3 years), increasing to 9 years (or a Master’s degree with 7 years) for Level 4.
• At least 1 year of experience in some or all of the following domains: space systems engineering principles, power, mass and other system budgets, requirements analysis and flow down, design verification and validation, configuration management, or satellite integration and test.
• Comfortable working across multiple subsystems and coordinating with cross-functional engineering teams.
• US Citizenship required; Top Secret/SCI clearance required post-start.

What Sets Candidates Apart

• Master’s degree in aerospace or a related engineering or science discipline.
• 9 or more years of professional experience in space systems engineering.
• Direct experience with rapid spacecraft development programmes, ideally spanning concept to in-orbit operations.
• Familiarity with programme management principles and tools.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

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.

Adam Slade