At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of spacecraft Command & Data Handling subsystems.
- Company: Join a growing team in advanced satellite engineering for exciting space missions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private healthcare, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with modern facilities and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge spacecraft programmes and take ownership of innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and 5+ years in spacecraft Command & Data Handling systems.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Command & Data Handling Engineer to join a growing spacecraft engineering team developing advanced satellite platforms for complex space missions. This role offers the opportunity to work across the full spacecraft lifecycle, from early concept and architecture through detailed design, integration, verification, environmental testing and mission support. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will play a key role in shaping the spacecraft avionics architecture and ensuring robust command and data handling capabilities across the platform.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development and delivery of spacecraft Command & Data Handling (C&DH) subsystems.
- Define, review and maintain subsystem requirements, interface definitions and technical documentation.
- Develop verification strategies, test plans and acceptance criteria for subsystem and spacecraft-level validation.
- Define and manage onboard data handling, processing and communications budgets.
- Support Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) and Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) activities.
- Collaborate with systems engineering and other subsystem teams to develop Concept of Operations (ConOps), Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and verification plans.
- Plan and execute subsystem and system-level verification activities, including electrical and environmental testing.
- Review electronic circuit and PCB designs to ensure suitability for spacecraft applications.
- Support supplier selection, technical trade studies and design reviews throughout the equipment procurement lifecycle.
- Define, implement and validate telemetry and telecommand interfaces between onboard systems and the ground segment.
- Contribute to spacecraft avionics architecture, including processor selection, data bus architecture, redundancy concepts and fault-tolerant design.
- Work closely with flight software engineers to define onboard software interfaces and data handling functionality.
- Support anomaly investigation, root-cause analysis and corrective actions during integration, test and mission operations.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- 5+ years' experience developing Command & Data Handling systems for spacecraft.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft avionics architectures and onboard data handling systems.
- Experience working with industry-standard spacecraft interfaces including CCSDS, SpaceWire, CAN, I²C and RS422.
- Experience developing and executing spacecraft subsystem verification and test programmes.
- Good systems engineering knowledge with experience managing requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
Desirable Experience
- Spacecraft integration, verification and environmental testing.
- Flight hardware handling within cleanroom environments.
- GNSS timing and synchronisation for spacecraft.
- Radiation tolerance analysis and radiation assurance for space electronics.
- Digital spacecraft electronics and avionics architectures.
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge spacecraft programmes.
- Hybrid working with flexible hours and optional 9/75 working pattern.
- Private healthcare and life assurance.
- Relocation support may be available.
- Modern engineering and laboratory facilities.
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment with genuine technical ownership.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced spacecraft avionics engineer looking to take ownership of Command & Data Handling architecture while working on innovative space missions within a highly skilled engineering team.
Senior Command & Data Handling Engineer employer: Holt Executive
Holt Executive is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of advanced flight simulation systems. Employees benefit from generous perks such as a discretionary bonus, private medical insurance, and a robust pension scheme, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the picturesque setting of Pulborough, UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Command & Data Handling Engineer
✨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 Holt Executive for a Senior Command & Data Handling 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 Command & Data Handling Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Holt Executive, 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 Holt Executive, 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 Holt Executive
✨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 Holt Executive.
✨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 Holt Executive. 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 Holt Executive love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
