At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of spacecraft electrical systems for exciting space missions.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a global leader in engineering and technology consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a personalised career path, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in spacecraft electrical systems and power system design is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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 and support sustainable transformation.
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:
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.
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 and 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 in London employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where engineers are empowered to innovate and tackle complex challenges in the exciting field of space technology. With a strong focus on personal development, employees benefit from tailored career paths, ongoing learning opportunities, and a supportive environment that values diversity. Located in London, ALTEN offers a unique chance to work on cutting-edge projects while enjoying a flexible working arrangement and a vibrant social atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Electrical Engineer in London
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with ALTEN for a Senior Electrical Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Electrical Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ALTEN, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At ALTEN, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with ALTEN.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with ALTEN. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like ALTEN love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
