OBDH Sub-System Lead Engineer Electrical Engineering · Guildford

An exciting opportunity to make a difference and deliver highly innovative On-board Data Handling (OBDH) solutions for spacecraft missions. This role has responsibility for undertaking the design, analysis, development, verification and delivery of OBDH systems into the mission, including but not limited to on board computer, data recorders, payload interface units and associated test hardware. Engineers at SSTL are involved on a mission right from concept through to launch, commissioning and operational life; a true cradle to grave experience and will give you the chance to see your work in Space in a rapid timescale!

This key role will often sit within the core team of a satellite mission interacting with other technical leads across multiple disciplines to generate the technical solutions for innovative projects.

Key Tasks

• Primary role will be OBDH sub-system role working with project core team and/or product owners within the SSTL matrix structure with projects.
• Evaluation of mission requirements, derive subsystem requirements, and generate verification plans.
• Define OBDH sub-system architecture and interfaces to other sub-systems with internal/external products including trade offs.
• Responsible for the delivery of all aspects of the defined/delegated package of work which includes Technical Solution, Budget and Schedule via interaction with other product owners.
• Work closely in a core project team, providing technical support to project managers, suppliers, and customers with regular interactions/reporting.
• Interaction with other product owners to deliver for the products to Project.
• Interaction with internal/external customers and presentations at peer reviews and/or project milestone reviews.
• Generation of appropriate technical documentation (including design, development and verification plans, interfaces, build instructions assembly & test procedures, reports and technical descriptions etc.) and/or project level documentation.
• Update existing FPGA designs, and create new FPGA IP cores, against the mission requirements to support the technical solution.
• Managing engineering updates to heritage designs and/or development of digital circuits for future missions for OBDH products.
• Providing input into bids for future contracts.

PERSON SPECIFICATION (essential requirements)

Qualification

• BTEC/Degree in Electrical Engineering.

Experience

• Experience of On-board Data Handling Products including system level design in either the satellite industry or equivalent.
• Several years experience of FPGA design using VHDL.
• Several years’ experience of hands‑on digital board level design, manufacturing experience, and fault finding during tests.
• Great experience on presentation and discussion of technical material to/with a technical audience is essential.

Knowledge & Skills

• Good understanding of OBDH systems.
• Knowledge of FPGAs.
• Knowledge of Digital Design Software and Simulation tools.
• Knowledge of Lab Test Equipment.
• Excellent inter‑personal skills - both written and oral communications; ability to interface with customers and technical representatives.
• Highly organised with clear communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Flexible & adaptable to changing priorities with good planning skills.
• Ability to work simultaneously on a variety of projects.
• One team approach.

Additional responsibilities

• Involvement in SSTL peer reviews.