Lead Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

A pioneering aerospace company in London seeks a Lead Satellite Systems Engineer to define system requirements and lead integration testing for innovative satellite technology. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in satellite systems engineering and a strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems. This role offers a competitive salary, equity ownership, and comprehensive benefits, as well as the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking technology.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company ownership stakes

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in satellite systems engineering.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems including power and communications.
• Experience with space system integration and testing in clean-room environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain satellite’s system requirements and verification plans.
• Plan system integration & test campaigns with engineering teams.
• Lead design reviews and ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Satellite systems engineering

Systems integration

Risk assessment

Cross-disciplinary design reviews

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 Systems Engineer to steer our demonstration mission architecture from phase A studies through on-orbit operations. You will own the end‑to‑end systems definition, translating customer and mission objectives into verifiable system requirements, and take ownership of the verification test campaigns. You should bring experience of architecting successful spacecraft, and be capable of applying it at a significantly higher pace than that of traditional aerospace projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the satellite’s system requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and verification plans.

• Plan and coordinate system integration & test campaigns in close collaboration with other engineering teams.

• Drive requirements flow‑down to subsystem teams and oversee interface integration.

• Perform system‑level modelling, FMEAs, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate technical and schedule risks.

• Lead cross‑disciplinary design reviews across the system lifecycle (PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure compliance with standards and customer expectations.

• Interface with suppliers, contractors, and customers to resolve technical issues and ensure system integration on schedule.

Fundamental Requirements

• >5 years of hands‑on experience in satellite systems engineering.

• Strong understanding of all spacecraft subsystems: power, communications, ADCS, thermal control, structures, on-board computing, and propulsion.

• Demonstrated experience with space system integration & test in laboratory or clean‑room environments.

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.