Electronics Engineer in Guildford

SatVu is a rapidly expanding space technology company, backed by leading investors like Adara Ventures and Lockheed Martin. As the 'World’s Thermometer,' we deliver high-accuracy thermal datasets from space, providing invaluable insights across sectors. Our cutting-edge technology fuels significant growth in climate, sustainability, and defence & intelligence/national security markets, with HotSat-1 launched in 2023 and HotSat-2 and HotSat-3 planned for 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, high-growth organisation at a pivotal moment in its development.

The Role

SatVu is seeking an experienced Electronics Engineer (Imager Electronics) to lead the delivery of the HotSat-4 imager electronics while embedded on-site with our satellite manufacturer, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford. You will be required to be on-site five days a week for the duration of the payload build. In this hands-on role, you will be embedded within SSTL’s Optical Imaging Lead and the Imager Electronics team to drive electronics delivery, including analogue/digital hardware enhancements, and test/verification activities through manufacture, AIV and delivery. After the build phase, you will transition into SatVu’s technical team to consolidate design knowledge and help shape future payload electronics strategy as we grow our constellation. While receiving day-to-day technical direction from SSTL’s Optical/Imager Electronics lead on-site, your overall line management will report to SatVu’s Programmes Director. This position offers an opportunity for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic and rapidly growing company.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design digital and analogue electronics for optical payload subsystems; produce schematics and board-level designs suitable for manufacture and test.
• Perform circuit simulation, FPGA (VHDL) interfacing, scripting for test automation (Python/TCL), and lab test/validation.
• Develop Electronics Ground Support Equipment and support AIV activities.
• Debug hardware, author assembly/test procedures, technical descriptions and verification reports.
• Ensure traceability of electronic design data for IP transfer; prepare technical due diligence artefacts.
• Coordinate with SSTL system engineers on system/subsystem trade-offs, budgets and schedules.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree (or equivalent) in Electronics/Electrical Engineering and proven space electronics experience.
• Experience in mixed signal design.
• Proficiency in circuit-level debugging and testing.
• Knowledge of scripting languages like Python, TCL, or similar.
• Understanding of FPGA design in VHDL.
• Experience with lab test equipment.
• Familiarity with Mentor/PCB toolset and low-volume, high-reliability manufacture preferred.
• Strong documentation, planning and cross-discipline communication skills; ability to work autonomously and under schedule pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to be able to work with all levels within our company, our technology partners and customers.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Ability to influence, persuade, and negotiate at all levels.
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and proactive.
• Strong team player with the ability to interface with others at all levels.
• Good presentation and customer-facing skills.
• Results-oriented with a strong drive to deliver.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Excellent planning and organising skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Able to work autonomously and take initiative.
• Strong decision-making and creative problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and tight timescales.
• A passion for technology and a desire to make a significant impact.

Why Join SatVu

• The opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious space start-ups – developing a completely new and cutting-edge technology, for a large and accessible market.
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative and high-growth environment.
• Collaborate with and learn from a team of experienced and talented individuals.
• Make a significant impact on urgent global themes—defence and climate tech.

Interview Process

• Initial phone screen: a 30-minute video call to learn more about you, provide details about the role, and discuss what you are looking for.
• First stage interview: Video call intro with SatVu’s Programmes Director to discuss the role in more detail, as well as your experience. The call will last approx. 30 minutes.
• Technical Assessment: Interview with SatVu’s Programmes Director and SSTL’s Head of Optical Payload (approx. 60 minutes). This stage may be conducted either in-person at SSTL HQ in Guildford or via a remote video call, based on location and availability.
• HR Screening: Call with our People Director to discuss requirements further (approx. 30 minutes).
• Final stage: Interview with Co-Founders (approx. 30 minutes). This stage may be conducted either in-person or via a remote video call, based on availability.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary.
• Share options.
• 25 Days Holiday + Birthday Off.
• 6 weeks Work from Anywhere.
• Home Office Budget.
• Learning and development allowance.
• Life insurance.
• Wellbeing days.
• Yulife perks and rewards.
• Generous parental leave policies.
• Family friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Workplace Nursery Benefit scheme.
• Contribution towards switching to a renewable energy provider at home.
• Regular lunch & learn sessions.
• Office perks; regular team lunches.

As part of our pre-employment screening process, we may undertake background checks on applicants who receive an offer of employment. We have in place appropriate policies and safeguards which we are required by law to maintain when processing vetting data.

Equality, diversity and inclusion at SatVu

SatVu is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity within our team. We strive to provide equality and fairness for all job applicants and employees, and never discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnicity, religion, or physical differences. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination. Our ambition is for our team and its Board to be representative of the diversity in society, and for every employee to feel respected and able to bring their best selves to work.