Senior Systems Engineer Systems, AOCS & Thermal Engineering · Guildford

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology firm in Guildford is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to lead and design space missions from LEO to GEO. The role involves working with sales and engineering teams, overseeing project phases, and developing technical solutions. Ideal candidates will have at least 7 years of experience and a relevant degree. The company offers a flexible working environment, a comprehensive benefits package including 32 days of holiday, and supports visa applications for skilled workers.

Benefits

32 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension scheme with life assurance

Private medical insurance

Annual bonus scheme

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience as a spacecraft Systems Engineer.
• Experience in cradle-to-grave space mission design.
• Knowledge of satellite applications such as Earth observation and communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead space missions from concept through operational life.
• Generate technical solutions for a variety of customers.
• Conduct customer-facing meetings and presentations at all project stages.

Skills

System level design

Requirements management

Orbit analysis

Technical writing

Interpersonal skills

Education

Good degree or equivalent in Engineering, Physics or Maths

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

STK

Matlab

Job description

This role is an exciting opportunity to join the Systems team with responsibility to lead space missions from LEO to GEO and beyond. Engineers at SSTL have involvement on a mission from concept, through to AIT, launch, commissioning and operational life; a true cradle to grave experience, and will give you the chance to see your work in Space in a rapid timescale! The Systems Engineer role plays an essential part in leading other technical disciplines, to bring together quality and pragmatic solutions for innovative projects, whilst working within a great team environment.

Key Tasks

• Working with the Sales and Engineering teams in support of bid/tender activities to generate technical solutions for a variety of customers.
• System level design of space and ground segments including requirements analysis, sensitivity analysis, mission analysis and design trade-offs.
• System engineering throughout all project phases.
• Requirements management and engineering.
• Preliminary and critical design phase activities, including mission conops development.
• System/subsystem level interfacing and trade-offs.
• System assembly and integration.
• Test planning, requirement verification testing, and system validation.
• System commissioning and operations.
• Perform cost, risk, schedule and performance trades.
• Lead/support technical studies for a variety of customers.
• Review of technical work.
• Mentoring of junior colleagues where necessary.
• Understanding and improving relevant company standards and work practices.
• Conduct customer‑facing meetings and presentation at all project stages.
• Preparation of project documentation and presentation materials to a high standard for all phases of the work.
• Interfacing to internal and external customers.
• Technical study work.
• Management of subcontractors as required.
• Management of one or more project work packages.
• Act as a technical focal point for SSTL Mission Products, maintaining all key system level information in relation to these Mission Products.

Previous Experience

• Experienced spacecraft Systems Engineer (ideally 7+ years’ experience).
• Experience of designing space missions starting from end‑user requirements (cradle‑to‑grave).
• Experience of designing and analysing space and ground segments to the sub‑system level.
• Experience in requirements and verification management.
• Ideally with experience of spacecraft level verification testing.
• Ideally with system experience of in‑orbit commissioning and associated spacecraft operations.

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

• A good degree or equivalent in Engineering, Physics or Maths.
• Good working knowledge of orbit analysis, constellation configurations, RF link analysis, system budgets, operations, ground segment, space environment and satellite mechanical and electrical architectures.
• Good knowledge of a wide range of satellite applications, e.g. Earth observation, communications, navigation, science etc.
• Good knowledge of requirements management.
• Good knowledge of FMECA and FDIR design.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of MS Project or equivalent planning tool.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent knowledge of STK and Matlab or equivalent analysis tools.
• Hands‑on familiarity with environmental testing (e.g., vibration and thermal vacuum tests).
• Good knowledge of assembly and test methods for space flight equipment.
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Results orientated, can‑do approach.
• Pro‑active and able to take initiative.
• Decision making and problem solving skills.
• Excellent inter‑personal skills – both written and oral communications; ability to interface with customers and technical representatives.
• Good team working skills, together with the ability to influence others at all levels.
• Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and to tight timescales.
• Able to demonstrate company mindsets and behaviours; Be accountable, Drive & delivery, Communicate effectively, Self‑manage effectively, Work as one team.

Location

SSTL prides itself on being a super flexible company. The role is based in our Head Office in Guildford but we fully support hybrid working and a range of flexible working options.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes 32 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension scheme with life assurance, private medical and international travel insurance, annual bonus scheme, share incentive plan, enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental pay for new parents, high street discount scheme and many more!

Visa Support

SSTL supports applications requiring a UK Skilled Worker Visa and sponsorship is available for this role. Relocation assistance also available.