At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop high-fidelity simulation environments for satellite communication systems.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible.
- Benefits: Work with cutting-edge technology and a diverse, supportive team.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in solving global challenges from space.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of system-level modelling and proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C++.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…
The Satcom team is responsible for the design, delivery and performance of Open Cosmos’ satellite communications services, spanning the space segment, ground infrastructure and global connectivity.
We’re now looking for a System Performance & Modelling Engineer to develop the high-fidelity simulation environments that shape and validate the performance of our LEO satellite communication systems, providing the insight needed to optimise capacity, reliability, and service delivery across the constellation.
What will you be doing?
- Developing end-to-end simulation frameworks covering link performance, constellation coverage, and network behaviour
- Building high-fidelity models to evaluate system capacity, latency, throughput, reliability, and service continuity
- Modelling the interaction between orbital dynamics, air interface behaviour, payload performance, and network architecture
- Supporting stochastic performance analysis for latency, jitter, packet loss, and multi-hop communication scenarios
- Mapping dynamic user demand against available satellite and network resources to identify optimisation opportunities
- Supporting system-level link budget analysis including propagation effects, power allocation, and noise cascades
- Tracking and validating system performance margins including rain fade, interference, attenuation, and hardware ageing
- Performing trade studies to evaluate architectural decisions, resource allocation strategies, and processing approaches
- Supporting the development and evaluation of dynamic resource management and orchestration strategies
- Providing analytical input into operational concepts, resilience planning, and service optimisation activities
- Collaborating closely with payload, network, spectrum, and air interface teams to align modelling assumptions and performance targets
What You’ll bring
- Strong understanding of system-level modelling within satellite or advanced wireless communication systems
- Capability to develop and maintain end-to-end simulation environments for complex communication networks
- Proficiency in modelling and scripting using MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C++, or similar tools
- Knowledge of link budget analysis including modulation, coding, propagation effects, and noise/power cascades
- Understanding of network performance metrics including latency, jitter, throughput, and packet loss
- Familiarity with stochastic modelling techniques and performance analysis under varying operational conditions
- Knowledge of dynamic resource management, scheduling, and optimisation strategies
- Understanding of radiometric analysis including slant range attenuation and Power Flux Density (PFD) considerations
- Awareness of orbital dynamics and their impact on communication system performance
- Familiarity with modelling and simulation tools such as STK, Visualyse, or similar platforms
- A highly analytical and data-driven mindset with strong attention to detail and system-level thinking
This role will be based in any of our locations. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. When applying, please submit your CV in English.
Why Open Cosmos?
- Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe
- A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges
- A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team
System Performance & Modelling Engineer in Didcot employer: Open Cosmos
Open Cosmos is an exceptional employer for those passionate about space technology, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. With a commitment to employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines while tackling real-world challenges through cutting-edge satellite communications solutions. Join a diverse and ambitious team dedicated to making space accessible, all while enjoying the benefits of a supportive culture that values respect and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land System Performance & Modelling Engineer in Didcot
✨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 Open Cosmos for a System Performance & Modelling 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 System Performance & Modelling Engineer in Didcot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Open Cosmos, 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 Open Cosmos, 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 Open Cosmos
✨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 Open Cosmos.
✨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 Open Cosmos. 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 Open Cosmos love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
