The Challenge

As a Senior Space Systems Engineer for the Satellite Applications Catapult, you will work with space sector clients and as part of our own Missions and Strategic Accounts. You will apply systems engineering discipline and experience to advise on the conceptualisation and realisation of satellite systems, including for UK defence and security. You will bring a wealth of full-lifecycle knowledge to each mission, helping to shape engineering processes and advise on space system architectures.

Your initial deployment will be supporting an important client’s programmes, with a mix of (client) on-site in the Portsmouth area, plus either working from home or at SAC offices.

You will be a member of SAC’s Technology department. Over time, the role is likely to include tasking on:

• Supporting delivery programmes for space missions

• Supporting the creation and exploitation of technical facilities to benefit the sector

• Supporting Thought-Leadership, to help shape tomorrow's space industry

As a not-for-profit organisation, with a core grant from InnovateUK, SAC acts to help the UK and the UK space sector achieve its aims in space. You will work with clients and partners in the commercial sector, academic community and government / civil service.

The successful application will be required to have / obtain at least SC level clearance, and may be required to undergo DV clearance.

 Role responsibilities

• Represent SAC, as a senior space systems expert, to client organisations

• Provide consulting and/or engineering management for space mission development, across a range of mission types (e.g. EO, Communications).

• Support management of the client relationship, in conjunction with SAC’s Business Development Team and the department of the CTO

• When applicable, work as part of a matrix-based team to deliver on SAC’s core Missions

• Engage in Thought-Leadership activities as part of the Technology department’s remit to advance the UK space sector

• You will be responsible for technical deliverables of projects; ensuring work meets or exceeds agreed customer requirements, within agreed budgets and timescale

• Selection and identification of technology and equipment needed to deliver identified requirements

• Risk identification and management of issues as they arise

• Liaising with teams across the Catapult

• Creating new opportunities and innovating where opportunity presents

Experience required

• Substantial experience in space systems engineering, with a sound understanding of the elements and functions that comprise a successful space system and the methods that ensure their delivery

• Experience of requirements-based engineering for mission development

• Insight and understanding of the phases of mission development

• Prior experience working on defence or dual-use missions is an advantage, with a good system-level awareness of threats, vulnerabilities and mitigations for space systems

The successful candidate is likely to have familiarity with widely used engineering frameworks such as ECSS standards, waterfall programme delivery and SMART requirement-based engineering.

Please note that interviews will take place in our Harwell office.

 How we work….

We strive to create a high trust, high performance and inclusive 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 anyone 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 think are needed to be able to perform in this job. However, if you believe you can deliver in this role then we want to hear from you.

Important notice for applicants: We use tools to detect plagiarism and the use of AI or chatbots for applicant answers. If plagiarism, AI use (such as ChatGPT) or similar software are found to have been used in your application you will not be considered for this or future roles within the Satellite Applications Catapult.

At Satellite Applications Catapult, we're committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome candidates from all corners of the globe, but due to legal and logistical considerations, we want to be transparent about the potential visa-related challenges that could arise. Our ability to offer sponsorship will depend on the level of interest for our roles and salary level.

If you need any additional support during the application process, please do reach out and connect. We also invite you to share feedback via Applied.