Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Full-Time 55000 £ / year Home office (partial)
Holt Executive

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop complex spacecraft missions while collaborating across engineering disciplines.
  • Company: Innovative space technology organisation with a focus on cutting-edge aerospace systems.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and exciting team events.
  • Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for career growth in a modern engineering environment.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on challenging spacecraft missions that push the boundaries of technology.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years in satellite systems engineering and strong analytical skills.

An innovative space technology organisation is looking for an experienced Spacecraft Systems Engineer to join its growing engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity to play a central role in the design and development of complex spacecraft missions, working across multiple engineering disciplines to develop robust, achievable technical solutions.

The Role

As a Spacecraft Systems Engineer, you will act as a technical architect across the mission lifecycle, supporting system design, requirements, trade-offs, integration, verification and ultimately spacecraft operations.

  • Develop spacecraft mission and system-level designs.
  • Derive, allocate, verify and maintain system requirements and traceability.
  • Perform system-level trade studies and technical assessments.
  • Manage spacecraft budgets including mass, power, data and propellant.
  • Produce and maintain CONOPS, V&V plans, ICDs and other systems engineering documentation.
  • Own and manage system-level interfaces, including space-to-ground and TM/TC.
  • Support spacecraft testbeds, validation and system-level testing.
  • Contribute to FDIR, FMECA and fault-tree activities.
  • Coordinate engineering activities across multiple subsystem teams.
  • Support spacecraft integration, verification and environmental test campaigns.
  • Present technical analyses and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Contribute to bids, proposals and early-stage mission studies.
  • Support key programme reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR and TRR.
  • Provide technical support during commissioning and critical in-orbit operations.

About You

We’re looking for a systems engineer with experience working on satellite or similarly complex aerospace systems.

Essential experience:

  • 2+ years' experience in satellite systems engineering.
  • Good understanding of the key subsystems that make up a spacecraft.
  • Experience with requirements derivation, verification and traceability.
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to perform complex technical trade-offs.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Comfortable using Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Desirable Experience

  • Understanding of attitude and orbit control systems (AOCS).
  • Satellite-level AIT experience.
  • Exposure to FFT, STB, TM/TC and MIB activities.
  • Mission operations experience.
  • Experience with GMAT or Orekit.
  • Python, MATLAB or other engineering analysis tools.
  • FMECA, FDIR, fault-tree analysis or reliability engineering.
  • Experience working on institutional or ESA missions.

What’s on Offer

  • Hybrid working with flexible core hours.
  • Optional compressed working pattern.
  • 25 days' holiday, increasing to 28 with service, plus Bank Holidays.
  • Private healthcare, life insurance and long-term sick pay.
  • Relocation support may be available.
  • Modern engineering and cleanroom facilities.
  • Regular social and team events.
  • The opportunity to work on technically challenging spacecraft and space missions.

Spacecraft Systems 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.

Holt Executive

Contact Details:

Holt Executive Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Spacecraft Systems 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 Spacecraft Systems 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 Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Spacecraft Systems Engineering
System Design
Requirements Derivation
Requirements Verification
Traceability
Technical Trade-Offs
Mass Management

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.