Senior Aerospace Systems Engineer

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks a Senior Aerospace Systems Engineer to lead design, integration, testing, and validation of satellite platforms and related subsystems within a dynamic engineering team.

You will define system requirements, oversee verification plans, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance with NASA/ESA standards, delivering reliable, high‑performance solutions across the full lifecycle.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in aerospace systems engineering
• Experience with spacecraft lifecycle
• Strong knowledge of orbital mechanics, propulsion, power, attitude control
• Proficient in MBSE and requirements management
• Experience with testing and integration of hardware/software
• Leadership and communication skills
• Familiar with NASA/ESA standards
• Satellite design and analysis software desirable

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering from concept to deployment
• Define system requirements, architectures and interfaces
• Oversee integration and testing of aerospace systems
• Develop verification and validation plans
• Conduct technical reviews and risk assessments
• Mentor junior engineers and improve processes
• Prepare technical documentation for stakeholders

Skills

Systems engineering

MBSE

Requirements management

V&V

Leadership

Satellite design

Education

Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Eng

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading aerospace manufacturer renowned for its innovation in satellite technology and space exploration systems. We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Aerospace Systems Engineer to join our advanced engineering division in Upington, Northern Cape . This pivotal role involves leading the design, integration, testing, and validation of complex aerospace systems, including satellite platforms and related sub-systems. You will play a critical part in the entire lifecycle of aerospace projects, ensuring that systems meet stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in aerospace engineering principles, extensive experience with systems engineering methodologies, and a proven ability to manage intricate technical challenges. You will collaborate with a world‑class team of engineers and scientists, contributing to groundbreaking missions that push the boundaries of space exploration. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on high‑impact projects within a dynamic and technologically advanced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the systems engineering activities for aerospace projects, from conceptual design through to operational deployment.
• Define system requirements, architectures, and interfaces for spacecraft and associated payloads.
• Oversee the integration and testing of complex aerospace systems and sub‑systems.
• Develop and manage system‑level verification and validation plans.
• Conduct technical reviews, risk assessments, and trade studies.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and mission‑specific requirements (e.g., NASA, ESA standards).
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software, thermal).
• Troubleshoot system‑level issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of systems engineering processes.
• Prepare and present technical documentation, reports, and findings to project stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in systems engineering within the aerospace industry.
• Proven experience with the full lifecycle of spacecraft development.
• Strong understanding of aerospace systems, including orbital mechanics, propulsion, power systems, attitude control, and communication.
• Proficiency in systems engineering tools and methodologies (e.g., MBSE, requirements management, V&V).
• Experience with testing and integration of complex hardware and software systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and best practices is essential.
• Experience with satellite design and analysis software is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for project‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference participation.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art aerospace facilities and technology.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment focused on innovation.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.