Space Systems Engineer

About BAE Systems Digital Intelligence

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is a leading force in the cyber defence industry, comprising 4,500 digital, cyber, and intelligence experts. We collaborate across 10 countries to gather, connect, and interpret complex data, empowering governments, nation states, armed forces, and commercial businesses to achieve digital advantage in challenging environments.

As part of BAE Systems, you will contribute to pioneering progress and safeguarding what matters. You will be trusted to deliver advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace, and security solutions, shaping a safer future.

Role Description: Space Systems Engineer

We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Systems Engineer with experience in space missions, ideally focusing on small satellites such as Microsats, Nanosats, and CubeSats. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the entire lifecycle of space system development, from initial concept design and requirements definition through to integration, verification, and mission operations. You may also be involved in supporting the spacecraft operations team with anomaly identification and resolution. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will play a crucial role in maintaining technical coherence, ensuring system performance, and achieving successful mission delivery.

You will be comfortable working within a team environment to deliver projects for a diverse range of customers, including institutional, academic, and commercial organisations. In addition to primary project delivery responsibilities, you may also engage in areas such as space technology, space mission studies, R&D projects, and technical bid support.

Core Duties

• Support or lead design activities for small satellite missions.
• Perform mission needs analysis, trade studies, and system architecture development.
• Define, manage, and validate system-level requirements and interfaces.
• Conduct functional analyses, budget calculations (mass, power, data, thermal), and performance modelling.
• Support spacecraft commissioning activities.
• Investigate and resolve spacecraft anomalies.
• Develop mission concepts to support studies, R&D activities, and bids.
• Engage with external equipment providers.
• Produce documentation for internal and customer reviews and present progress to stakeholders and external customers.

Essential Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in systems engineering within the space sector.
• Hands-on experience with small satellite programmes (Microsats, Cubesats, or similar), preferably across the full project lifecycle.
• Working knowledge of typical spacecraft subsystems (AOCS, Comms, EPS, Payloads, OBC/Software, OBDH).
• Experience in defining, managing, and verifying system-level requirements.
• Experience with industry standards (ECSS, NASA, or equivalent).
• Experience interfacing with external clients and suppliers, and reporting project progress.
• Working knowledge of spacecraft operations.
• Experience in delivering space technology and/or space mission studies or R&D projects.
• The ability to obtain high-level security clearance is essential.

Why BAE Systems

At BAE Systems, you will build a career with purpose and endless possibilities. We foster lifelong learning and provide meaningful work, empowering you to grow your career with confidence and achieve your best. Your contributions will be recognised with tailored rewards that support your financial and personal well-being, alongside a balanced lifestyle. We are committed to sustainable working practices and a strong sense of shared purpose within a supportive culture where you can belong and make a difference.

We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported, recognising that diversity in backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to our work. We welcome all candidates and provide full, fair, and open consideration. Please contact our recruitment team for any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. These restrictions may impact eligibility based on factors like nationality, previous nationalities, and place of birth. All applicants must obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance. Many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically involves 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK.

Hybrid Working and Diversity & Inclusion

We embrace Hybrid Working, allowing for flexibility in when and where work is performed to enhance work-life balance and well-being. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our success at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. Our culture encourages employees with diverse perspectives, skills, life experiences, and backgrounds to collaborate and achieve excellence.

Division Overview: Government

The Government business unit at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence has decades of experience in defending critical government and infrastructure networks. As a member of this unit, you will play a vital role in defending the connected world and protecting nations.