Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer in Guildford

Considered the pioneers of the small satellite market, SSTL has a heritage spanning more than 40 years and a proud history of continual innovation in space technologies, products, services, and mission delivery. We develop and operate satellites for a wide range of applications, including high‑resolution Earth imaging, communications (including lunar communications), science, and navigation. Since 1981, SSTL has built and launched over 70 satellites, including seven constellations, with more than eight additional satellites and payloads currently under contract. From the earliest study phases through subsystem manufacture, assembly and test, and in‑orbit operations, the entire spacecraft lifecycle is managed from our headquarters in Guildford.

About the role

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join our Systems team, taking a leading role in delivering space missions from LEO to GEO and beyond. At SSTL, engineers are involved in every stage of a mission, from initial concept development, through AIT, launch, commissioning, and operational life. It’s a true cradle‑to‑grave experience that gives you the rare opportunity to see your work in space on a rapid timescale. As a Systems Engineer, you will play a key role in guiding multidisciplinary technical teams to develop high‑quality, pragmatic solutions for innovative missions. You’ll be contributing to cutting‑edge projects within a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Key Tasks

• System engineer/technical lead on SSTL missions from contract negotiations through to launch and operations
• To work as part of a team to perform mission and system design for missions ranging from LEO to GEO and beyond
• System level design of space and ground segments including requirements analysis, sensitivity analysis, mission analysis and design trade‑offs
• To work as part of a team in the production of concepts of operations for missions
• Conduct customer‑facing meetings and presentation at all project stages
• Preparation of presentation materials and reports to a high standard for all phases of the project
• Working with the Sales and Engineering teams in support of bid/tender activities to generate technical solutions for a variety of customers
• Support/lead studies for a variety of customers. Management of these studies to meet technical requirements, and to cost and schedule.

Previous Experience

• 5 years+ of relevant space systems experience
• Experience acting as a technical lead on a space mission project
• Experience designing space missions from end‑user requirements, ideally across the full cradle‑to‑grave lifecycle
• Experience designing and analysing space and ground segments down to the subsystem level
• Ideally, experience with downstream spacecraft‑level testing
• Ideally, experience with spacecraft commissioning activities
• Experience in requirements and verification management
• Ideally with system experience of in‑orbit commissioning and associated spacecraft operations.

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

• Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, or Maths
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills (both generating and delivering)
• Good knowledge or awareness of orbit analysis, constellation configurations, RF link analysis, system budgets, operations, ground segment, space environment, and satellite mechanical and electrical architectures
• Good knowledge of a wide range of satellite applications, such as Earth observation, communications, and science
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to tight timescales
• Good knowledge of requirements management
• Good knowledge of FMECA and FDIR design
• Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent knowledge of STK and MATLAB, or equivalent analysis tools
• Hands‑on familiarity with environmental testing (e.g. vibration and thermal‑vacuum tests)
• Good knowledge of assembly and test methods for space‑flight equipment
• Some knowledge of MS Project or an equivalent planning tool

The role is based at our Guildford Head Office to support our collaborative on‑site environment. Hybrid working is available, and flexible working options may be considered. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 32 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays, Pension Scheme with Life Assurance, Private Medical & International Travel Insurance, Annual Bonus Scheme, Share Incentive Plan, Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay for new parents, High Street Discount Scheme and many more!