At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of spacecraft electrical systems and ensure high reliability in orbit.
- Company: ALTEN, a global engineering consultancy shaping the future of technology.
- Benefits: Personalised career paths, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse projects, ongoing learning, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and work on cutting-edge projects that impact the space sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in spacecraft electrical systems and a degree in Engineering or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.
We are seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join our team in London specialising in Power, Harness, and Data Handling to support a major mission within the space sector. You will play a key role in the design, development, and integration of spacecraft electrical systems, ensuring high reliability and performance in orbit.
Location: London
On Site: 1-2x a month
Clearance: Clearable
Experience Level: Mid - Senior
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and development of spacecraft electrical subsystems across power, harness, and data‑handling domains.
- Own the electrical architecture, ensuring robust, fault‑tolerant designs suitable for orbital environments.
- Define and maintain power distribution strategies, load management, protection concepts, and high‑reliability electrical interfaces.
- Develop and review harness architectures, including routing, connector selection, grounding, shielding, and cable‑level reliability.
- Oversee data‑handling interfaces, ensuring seamless communication between avionics units, payloads, and onboard computers.
- Produce and validate electrical schematics, ICDs, wiring diagrams, and subsystem documentation throughout the development lifecycle.
Qualifications Required Skills:
- Mandatory Space industry experience — direct involvement in spacecraft electrical systems, satellite platforms, or mission‑critical space hardware.
- Power system design for spacecraft (power distribution, conversion, protection, load analysis).
- Harness architecture including routing, connector selection, grounding, shielding, and high‑reliability cable design.
- Data‑handling systems including avionics interfaces, communication buses, and onboard data flows.
- Experience with high‑reliability electrical hardware for harsh environments (radiation, thermal extremes, vacuum).
- Ability to produce and review electrical schematics, ICDs, wiring diagrams, and system‑level documentation.
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with digital and analogue electronics for space applications.
- Knowledge of ECSS or similar space‑industry standards.
- Familiarity with FMEA, fault‑tolerance strategies, and redundancy concepts.
- Experience with environmental qualification (vibration, thermal‑vacuum, radiation testing).
- Understanding of spacecraft integration, AIT workflows, and verification campaigns.
- Exposure to avionics architectures, onboard computers, and spacecraft command/data handling systems.
Additional Information:
Why join us? We bring together entrepreneurial, tech‑driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals. Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
Senior Electrical Engineer employer: ALTEN LTD - UK
ALTEN LTD - UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol that fosters innovation and collaboration in the aerospace and sustainable energy sectors. Employees benefit from a strong culture of professional development, with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects and contribute to meaningful advancements in sustainable aviation fuel technology. The company prioritises employee well-being and growth, making it an attractive place for those seeking a rewarding career in engineering.