Satellite Power Systems Engineer

NewOrbit Space Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering aerospace company in Reading is seeking a Satellite Power Systems Engineer to lead the design and delivery of electrical power subsystems for satellites. This role emphasizes ownership and impact within a fast-paced environment, ideal for candidates with experience in smallsat-class missions. Competitive salary and ownership stakes are part of the comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Equity in the company

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in spacecraft or satellite power subsystem engineering.
• Strong technical knowledge of spacecraft electrical power systems.
• Experience with power budget modelling and simulation tools.
• Familiarity with space-qualified components and design considerations.
• Hands-on experience in integration & testing in cleanroom environments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills in agile teams.
• Strong communication skills for supplier and team interaction.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain power subsystem requirements.
• Design and analyse solar array, battery, and power systems.
• Conduct power budget analysis for mission phases.
• Perform modelling and analysis for system robustness.
• Select and qualify components for ULEO environments.
• Support manufacturing and testing of the power subsystem.
• Develop subsystem-level and integrated system-level test plans.
• Lead power subsystem reviews and engage in trade-studies.
• Support launch and early orbit operations.

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 Satellite Power Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and delivery of the electrical power subsystem for our satellite missions. You will own the end-to-end power system architecture - from energy generation and storage to power conditioning and distribution - ensuring reliable, efficient operation throughout the mission lifecycle. Your expertise in smallsat-class spacecraft will enable you to optimise performance under tight mass, volume, and schedule constraints in a fast-paced, agile environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain power subsystem requirements, architecture, and interface control documents (ICDs).

• Design and analyse solar array, battery, and power regulation/distribution systems to meet mission needs.

• Conduct power budget analysis and sizing for all mission phases, including contingency scenarios.

• Perform modelling, simulation, and worst-case analyses to verify system robustness.

• Select and qualify components for ULEO space environments, including radiation tolerance, atomic oxygen exposure, and thermal considerations.

• Support manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of the power subsystem.

• Develop and execute subsystem-level and integrated system-level test plans (functional, thermal vacuum, vibration).

• Lead power subsystem reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and support system-level design and readiness reviews.

• Interface with all spacecraft subsystems and engage in system-level trade-studies.

• Support launch and early orbit operations, including on-orbit power performance monitoring and troubleshooting.

Fundamental Requirements

• >3 years of experience in spacecraft or satellite power subsystem engineering, with at least one smallsat-class mission delivered to orbit.

• Strong technical knowledge of spacecraft electrical power systems, including solar array design, battery technology, and power electronics.

• Experience with power budget modelling, simulation tools, and hardware test campaigns.

• Familiarity with space-qualified components and radiation/thermal design considerations.

• Hands-on experience in integration & testing in cleanroom environments.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in agile, cross-disciplinary teams.

• Strong communication skills to work with suppliers, subsystem teams, and mission partners.

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.