Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Methodfi; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering space technology company in London seeks a Lead Satellite Spacecraft Engineer to design and deliver advanced satellite platforms. The role requires over 5 years of experience in spacecraft engineering, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. You will oversee subsystem integration and support missions from concept to operation, enjoying a competitive salary and equity in the company.

Benefits

Private health insurance

Equity and competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Over 5 years of experience in spacecraft or satellite engineering.
• Broad knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and integration testing.
• Ability to thrive in agile development environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, and delivery of satellite platforms.
• Oversee subsystem development and integration challenges.
• Chair design and readiness reviews across the programme lifecycle.

Skills

Spacecraft engineering

Leadership

Communication

Propulsion systems

Integration and testing

Job description

At NewOrbit Space, our mission it to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.

We are currently building satellites that can breathe air and operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our proprietary propulsion system we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra low altitudes using the air as propellant.

Please note that as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission, we are in a critical growth phase. Our roles will often require extended hours and are not typical 9-to-6 positions.

Your Role

We are seeking a Lead Satellite Spacecraft Engineer to lead the design, integration, and delivery of advanced satellite platforms from concept through on-orbit operations. You will define the spacecraft architecture, oversee subsystem development, and ensure all components integrate into a reliable flight system. You will play a key role in balancing mission performance, schedule, and cost, while maintaining technical excellence in a fast-paced, agile space environment. Your experience in smallsat-class spacecraft will enable you to deliver missions at higher velocity than traditional aerospace programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the spacecraft architecture and technical baseline, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and customer requirements.

• Oversee design, integration, and verification of all spacecraft subsystems, from power and propulsion to payload and thermal control.

• Drive cross-disciplinary trade studies to optimise mass, power, cost, and performance.

• Lead and approve system-level test campaigns including environmental, functional, and end-to-end mission simulations.

• Chair design and readiness reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR) across the programme lifecycle.

• Act as the primary technical authority for suppliers, contractors, and partners, resolving integration challenges and ensuring quality compliance.

• Support launch and early operations, providing high-level troubleshooting guidance and decision-making.

Fundamental Requirements

• >5 years of experience in spacecraft or satellite engineering, with a track record of delivering smallsat-class flight hardware to orbit.

• Broad, in-depth knowledge of spacecraft subsystems: power, communications, ADCS, thermal control, structures, on-board computing, and propulsion.

• Proven experience with spacecraft integration & testing in cleanroom environments.

• Strong leadership and communication skills to coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and engage with external stakeholders.

• Ability to thrive in agile, fast-paced development environments while maintaining technical rigour.

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.

• Unmatched Ownership and Impact –You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.

• Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package –Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.