Senior Systems Engineer

Open Cosmos Ltd; Porto, Coimbra; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work at the cutting edge of space technology

Diverse and supportive team

Job summary

Open Cosmos Ltd in Porto is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the technical delivery of complex space missions. This role involves driving system architecture, integration, and mission success across the spacecraft lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will possess strong systems engineering capabilities as well as deep knowledge of spacecraft subsystems. Join a diverse and mission-driven team making space accessible to solve real-world challenges.

Qualifications

• Strong systems engineering capability across the full lifecycle of space missions.
• Deep knowledge of spacecraft subsystems including power, communications, and propulsion.
• Proficiency with MBSE tools and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of spacecraft systems from concept to operations.
• Own system-level architecture and performance across mission phases.
• Define and maintain system requirements with lifecycle traceability.

Skills

Systems engineering capability

Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems

Proficiency with MBSE tools

Understanding of requirements management

Knowledge of FMECA and FDIR

Team coordination and management

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

Our Systems Team brings together brilliant Engineers who turn ambitious mission concepts into reality.

As Open Cosmos continues to expand, we’re looking for Senior Systems Engineers to lead the technical delivery of complex space missions, driving system architecture, integration, and mission success across the full spacecraft lifecycle. This role plays a key part in shaping engineering best practices while providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.

What You'll Be Doing

You will:

• Lead the technical delivery of spacecraft systems from concept and architecture through operations and deorbit
• Own system-level architecture, coherence, performance, and reliability across mission phases
• Define, manage, and maintain mission and system requirements with full lifecycle traceability
• Lead system-level verification and validation planning, execution, and technical resolution activities
• Perform system analyses, trade studies, and design optimisation to meet mission and operational objectives
• Develop and improve MBSE methodologies, tools, and systems engineering processes across projects
• Define robust FMECA and Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) strategies
• Ensure appropriate system margins, resilience, and fault tolerance are embedded into mission designs
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver integrated spacecraft solutions
• Act as the systems interface across engineering, AIT, mission management, operations, suppliers, and external partners
• Support bids, customer engagements, reviews, and operational decision-making with systems-level expertise
• Mentor and support junior systems and engineers while promoting engineering best practice across the organisation

What You’ll Bring

• Strong systems engineering capability across the full lifecycle of space missions and spacecraft development
• Deep knowledge of spacecraft subsystems including power, OBC, AOCS, communications, propulsion, and thermal/mechanical systems
• Proficiency with MBSE tools and structured systems engineering methodologies
• Strong understanding of requirements management, verification and validation, margins management, and mission assurance activities
• Knowledge of FMECA, FDIR, CONOPS, and resilient spacecraft system design principles
• Awareness of regulatory and mission constraints including frequency allocation, debris mitigation, export control, and insurance considerations
• Capability to coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and manage technical interfaces across complex programmes

These roles can be based in any of our locations.

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location.

Please submit your application in English.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe
• A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges
• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team