At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing advanced SmallSat systems and spacecraft for exciting missions.
- Company: High-tech engineering organisation expanding its UK Space team.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with experienced engineers and broaden your technical expertise.
- Why this job: Work on real spacecraft programmes and gain hands-on experience across the complete satellite lifecycle.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in Satellite Systems Engineering and understanding of spacecraft subsystems.
The predicted salary is between 48600 - 59400 £ per year.
Location: Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Working Model: Hybrid - typically 2-3 days per week onsite
Employment: Full-Time, Permanent
Sector: Space / Small Satellites
The Opportunity
Our client is an established high-tech engineering organisation that is expanding its UK Space team and looking to appoint a Satellite Systems Engineer. Our client develops and delivers advanced SmallSat platforms and spacecraft for demanding commercial and institutional missions. With proven satellite hardware already operating in orbit and a growing portfolio of future missions, this is an opportunity to become directly involved in the development of complete spacecraft systems.
We are specifically looking for someone with Satellite Systems Engineering experience who understands the spacecraft at system level and can contribute to decisions around spacecraft architecture, subsystem selection, supplier solutions, technical interfaces, integration and verification. This is a hands-on technical position rather than a management role and would suit an engineer looking to continue developing their expertise across the complete spacecraft lifecycle.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Satellite Systems Engineer, you'll work closely with senior engineers and the System Architect across the technical development and delivery of SmallSat missions. Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the definition and development of spacecraft system architectures.
- Evaluating and supporting the selection of satellite subsystems from external suppliers, including technical trade-offs between potential solutions.
- Defining and tracking technical requirements and interfaces between spacecraft subsystems.
- Supporting the management of interfaces across Space, Ground, Launch and User segments.
- Establishing and maintaining the system technical baseline, including configuration changes, anomalies and non-conformances.
- Maintaining and supporting the Verification Control Document (VCD).
- Supporting AIT, AIV, verification and qualification activities at system and subsystem level.
- Contributing to technical analyses, trade-off studies and risk-management activities including FMEA and FDIR.
- Producing and maintaining technical specifications, interface documentation and spacecraft user documentation.
- Supporting spacecraft integration and, where required, launch campaign activities.
What We're Looking For
We're looking specifically for someone who has already developed experience within Satellite Systems Engineering, rather than someone looking to transition from Mission Analysis or another unrelated space discipline. Ideally, you will have:
- A minimum of approximately 2-3 years of directly relevant Satellite Systems Engineering experience.
- Experience working at spacecraft/system level, with an understanding of how multiple satellite subsystems interact.
- Exposure to spacecraft architecture definition and system-level engineering decisions.
- Experience evaluating, selecting or integrating spacecraft subsystems and/or equipment.
- Experience working technically with external subsystem or equipment suppliers.
- Understanding of spacecraft requirements, interfaces and technical trade-offs.
- Exposure to satellite verification, integration, AIT/AIV or qualification activities.
- Understanding of the complete spacecraft development lifecycle.
- A degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical discipline.
Advantageous Experience
Experience in any of the following would be beneficial, but we are not looking for a specialist in one particular spacecraft subsystem:
- ESA / ECSS standards
- Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
- Configuration and change management
- Verification Control Documents
- FMEA / FDIR
- Electrical Power Systems (EPS)
- Thermal systems
- AIT / AIV
- Launch campaigns
- Jira, Confluence, Valispace or similar systems engineering tools
Why Consider This Opportunity?
You'll be joining a growing international Space team working on real spacecraft programmes with flight heritage. Rather than being restricted to one individual subsystem, you'll gain exposure across the complete satellite, working alongside experienced engineers on architecture, supplier selection, interfaces, verification, integration and mission delivery. For someone with a few years of Satellite Systems Engineering experience, this provides an excellent opportunity to broaden their spacecraft-level technical responsibility and continue developing towards more senior Systems Engineering and System Architecture positions.
Location & Working Model
The position is based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire and operates on a hybrid basis, with regular onsite collaboration expected, typically around 2-3 days per week. Candidates should therefore either already live within a reasonable commuting distance or be willing to relocate closer to the area. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Systems Engineer - SmallSat Missions in Aylesbury employer: Xperior Global
Join a pioneering engineering company at the forefront of Deep Technology, where your role as an Embedded Software Engineer will allow you to tackle complex challenges in the Space sector. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and offers opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects with real-world impact. Located in the UK, this position provides a unique chance to contribute to high-reliability systems while developing your skills alongside experienced engineers in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineer - SmallSat Missions in Aylesbury
✨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.
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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
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We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineer - SmallSat Missions in Aylesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Xperior Global, 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 Xperior Global, 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 Xperior Global
✨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 Xperior Global.
✨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 Xperior Global. 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 Xperior Global love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
