Energy technologies from and for space is a new burgeoning area developing sustainable high-energy density power technologies in space for use in space and terrestrial applications. All of the technologies under investigation are applicable and necessary to meet our Net Zero commitments.

Satellite Applications Catapult have the opportunity for 2 Space Energy Development Engineers to join the Space Energy team. The team supports UK industry and academia to investigate, develop and implement both Space-Based Solar Power (an aim to establish a first orbital demonstrator by 2030, with an operational system delivering to the grid by 2040) and high energy density power sources and the surrounding subsystems for space-based applications.

The Space Energy Development Engineers will contribute technically and lead small projects that may cover low Technology Readiness Level concepts through Commercial-Off-The-Shelf products, as part of multidisciplinary teams drawn from across the Catapult. As well as good communication skills, a broad range of technical skills and experience are needed to succeed in this role. Examples include a mixture of: engineering management, systems engineering, digital engineering, energy systems modelling (including nuclear), design/analysis/engineering/manufacturing of integrated systems (e.g. for space, nuclear, aerospace). This includes assessment of existing components as well as future designs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake and support research and design of cross-functional projects for the development of novel space and space energy applications

• Help develop new engineering project/programmes and create national and international consortiums and networks with industry, academia and government organisations

• Highlight funding and create proposals (working with the Bids team) for space energy and beyond, linking technologies and organisations to develop holistic solutions while identifying value and benefit for stakeholders and UK growth.

• Drive projects that may cover low Technology Readiness Level concepts through Commercial-off-the-shelf products, to life extension of components/installations.

• Help provide technical support to projects run by other Groups and Departments and collaborate with other organisations

• Represent the Satellite Applications Catapult on an international forum, participate in conferences and meetings both in the UK and overseas.  

• Champion and share best practice, promote respect, inclusion, and opportunity across the Satellite Applications Catapult

Skills and Experience required:

• Demonstrable experience in implementation of specific science/ engineering skills in R&D programmes

• Managed discrete multi-disciplinary R&D work packages over months to years as part of a larger R&D programme

• Prepared research or funding proposals including project planning and consortium building with academic and industry involved

• Experience of developing complex experiments and testing equipment

• Degree or higher (or equivalent training/experience) in engineering, physics, chemistry, technology or similar science

• Highly self-motivated and demonstrates initiative

• Good verbal and written communication and diplomatic skill

• Appreciation of governance, H&S and compliance issues in the Space Sector

• Experience of, or willingness to work in a blank paper project style environment

Desirable

• Knowledge of energy generation in harsh environments desirable

• Knowledge of space sector desirable

• Experience of overseeing technicians, junior staff and/or students preferred

• Possession or significant progress towards accreditation with a professional body (e.g. CEng) preferred

You know you have been successful when…

• You have developed the programmes and collaborations that will deliver space energy and their applications

• Have identified gaps, formed collaborations and successfully developed funding proposals

• Enabled the team and the wider Catapult to support UK growth in this area  

The purpose of your new team:

Vision:

Sustainable high-energy density power technologies in space for use in space and terrestrial applications. “Energy technologies from and for space” 

Mission:

•    Support UK industry and academia to develop space energy systems

•    Promote the applications and spin-offs of space energy to relevant stakeholders

•    Stimulate the marketplace and supply chain to enable the UK to become a leader in space power and space power applications

How we work:

We strive to create a high trust environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work – this helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture.
Our shared values are critical to this:

• We care - for our people, our partners, and our planet

• We connect - and engage with people and ideas

• We learn - and grow, as people and as an industry

Underpinning this is our belief in great teams, our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of any individual providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you didn’t tick.