Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer

NewOrbit Space Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge aerospace company is seeking a Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer to guide the architecture of spacecraft missions. You will oversee systems definition and ensure compliance with mission objectives. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering and will join a team focused on revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion technology. A competitive salary and equity in the company are offered, along with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary with equity

Private health insurance

Annual healthcare check-ups

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems: power, communications, ADCS.
• Experience in spacecraft integration & test campaigns preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain system requirements, interface control documents, and verification plans.
• Conduct system-level modelling, performance analysis, and risk assessments.
• Act as the primary technical liaison between customer, mission partners, and internal teams.

Skills

Spacecraft systems engineering

Requirements management

Performance analysis

Leadership

Tools

Modelling tools

Verification and validation tools

Job description

At NewOrbit Space, our mission it to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.

We are currently building satellites that can breathe air and operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our proprietary propulsion system we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra low altitudes using the air as propellant.

Please note that as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission, we are in a critical growth phase. Our roles will often require extended hours and are not typical 9-to-6 positions.

Your Role

We are seeking a Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer to define and guide the architecture of our spacecraft missions from concept through on-orbit operations. You will own the end-to-end systems definition, translating customer and mission objectives into verifiable system and interface requirements, and ensuring they are delivered on schedule and within budget. Your leadership will drive the integration of all spacecraft subsystems into a coherent, reliable, and high-performance system.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain system requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and verification & validation plans.

• Lead requirements flow-down to subsystem teams and oversee compliance across the engineering lifecycle.

• Conduct system-level modelling, performance analysis, FMEAs, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate mission risks.

• Drive trade studies to optimise technical performance, mass, cost, and schedule.

• Coordinate and lead system-level design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR) to ensure readiness at every stage.

• Ensure interfaces between spacecraft subsystems, payloads, and ground segment are correctly defined, integrated, and verified.

• Act as the primary technical liaison between the customer, mission partners, and internal engineering teams.

• Support assembly, integration & test (AIT) activities by ensuring test plans verify system-level requirements.

• Provide on-orbit commissioning and operations support, including anomaly resolution at the system level.

Fundamental Requirements

• >5 years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering, with a proven record of delivering smallsat-class missions.

• Strong understanding of all spacecraft subsystems: power, communications, ADCS, thermal control, structures, on-board computing, and propulsion.

• Demonstrated experience with requirements management, verification & validation, and interface definition.

• Proven ability to conduct system-level analyses and trade studies.

• Experience in spacecraft integration & test campaigns, preferably in cleanroom environments.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and coordination skills to align multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, agile development environments while maintaining technical rigour.

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering Space Technology - You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.
• Unmatched Ownership and Impact -You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
• Equity and Competitive Salary - You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package -Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.