Head of Satellite Systems – CanarySat

Arquimea; Madrid; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ARQUIMEA in Madrid is seeking a Senior Satellite Systems Engineer to lead the definition, design and verification of satellite systems for our MAGEC constellation.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams, manage requirements, perform analyses in Python/MATLAB, and oversee integration, testing, and launch campaigns, including LEOP.

Fluency in English is required; presence at Madrid offices and travel internationally as needed.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in aerospace or related field.
• 10+ years in satellite systems engineering.
• Experience with GEO/LEO missions and system sizing.
• Fluent English; Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain satellite system requirements, architecture, budgets and verification plans.
• Prepare technical specs and RFPs for satellites and launch services.
• Coordinate satellite design, manufacturing, integration and testing activities.
• Participate in technical reviews at unit, subsystem and system levels.
• Identify risks and contribute to mitigation strategies.
• Support launch campaigns, LEOP and in-orbit testing.
• Contribute to on-orbit performance assessments and anomaly investigations.

Skills

Satellite systems engineering

System sizing

Performance budgets

Telecommunications analysis

Payload/platform technologies

Satellites integration and testing

LEOP

Ground station operations

Python

MATLAB

Requirements management

English fluency

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Ground station tools

Job description

ARQUIMEA, is a global technology company providing innovative solutions and products in highly demanding sectors.

Our areas of activity include Aerospace, Defense & Security, Big Science, Biotechnology and Fintech.

We are currently looking for a Senior Satellite Systems Engineer to join the development of MAGEC, our telecommunications satellite constellation, contributing to the definition, design, development and technical oversight of satellite systems throughout their full lifecycle.

The selected candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, industrial partners and suppliers, ensuring the technical consistency and successful integration of satellite systems, from initial requirements and architecture definition through manufacturing, testing, launch and in-orbit operations.

Main responsibilities

• Define and maintain satellite system requirements, architecture, performance budgets and verification plans, ensuring traceability across payload, platform and ground segment interfaces.

• Prepare technical specifications and Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for satellites and launch services, supporting supplier evaluation and technical negotiations.

• Coordinate and oversee satellite design, manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing (AIT) activities with customers, partners and suppliers.

• Participate in technical reviews at unit, subsystem and system levels, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and contractual requirements.

• Identify technical risks, assess design changes and contribute to mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.

• Support launch campaigns, Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), in-orbit testing and satellite acceptance activities.

• Contribute to on-orbit performance assessments, anomaly investigations and technical reporting.

Required skills, experience and candidate profile

• Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related field.

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in satellite systems engineering, procurement, manufacturing or operations for GEO and/or LEO missions.

• Strong knowledge of satellite architectures, system sizing, performance budgets, telecommunications analysis and payload and platform technologies.

• Experience in satellite integration and testing, launch services, LEOP and in-orbit testing.

• Experience working on complex space programmes, coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams and suppliers.

• Knowledge of ground station operations, network management and requirements management tools.

• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB or equivalent engineering analysis tools.

• Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.

• Fluent English, both written and spoken. Spanish and other European languages will be valued.

Additional requirements

• Nationality of an EU Member State and willingness to undergo the required security clearance process.

• Availability to travel within Spain and internationally, primarily within Europe, and to work at supplier or campaign sites when required.

• Availability for on-call support during critical testing, launch and early operations campaigns.

The position is based in Madrid, at our offices in Calle Serrano Galvache 56, with regular presence at CanarySat facilities.

We are looking for curious, creative, tenacious and collaborative people, eager to take on challenging technological projects and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the space sector.

At ARQUIMEA, we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, age, disability or any other legally protected characteristic. All candidates will be considered equally based on their skills and experience.