Spacecraft Platform Engineer
// Role Summary
Join a critical mission to deliver the next generation of secure military communications satellites, playing a vital role in national security and shaping the future of the North East space sector.
// Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage spacecraft platform (bus) performance and characteristics.
- Perform technical planning, system integration, verification, and validation.
- Translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.
- Contribute to innovative solutions for complex space technology problems.
- Work on mission-critical technology with significant regional economic impact.
// Role Specification
About the Role
Be part of a team delivering the next generation of secure military communications satellites for the UK Ministry of Defence. This work provides resilient, high-performance connectivity for the UK, its allies, and Defence personnel worldwide, playing a critical role in protecting national security as space becomes more contested and demand for secure data continues to grow.
Joining Lockheed Martin also means helping to shape significant investment in the North East space sector, with more than £100 million proposed to support high-skill jobs, advanced manufacturing, and long-term economic growth. Opportunities include potential satellite manufacturing in County Durham and collaboration with NESST – the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre at Northumbria University – helping to build a strong pipeline of talent, learning, and innovation.
This is your chance to work on mission-critical technology, develop cutting-edge skills, and build a meaningful career, while delivering lasting impact for the region and the nation.
Responsibilities
Performs technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for total systems. Analyses are performed at all levels of total system product to include: concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal.
Ensures the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
Performs functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation, and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.
Develops innovative solutions to a range of complex problems that are consistent with organizational objectives. Works without direction. Work is reviewed upon completion and is consistent with departmental objectives.
Guides major projects to completion and may function in a leadership role. Decisions are long-lasting and heavily influence the organization. Engages with senior personnel on significant matters.
Actively contributes to the development of new concepts. Possesses full knowledge of industry and company practices, demonstrating expertise in the field and related disciplines.
Required Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
- The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the spacecraft platform (bus) and its performance and be able to represent this to the customer.
- They will be fully conversant with the platform characteristics and performance and able to understand and perform relevant analysis as required.
- Significant related experience and may have a post-secondary degree or training in a related discipline.
- Experience of satellite design is particularly desirable.
What We Offer You
At Lockheed Martin, our employees come first, and therefore your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing matter to us. On top of working in a highly supportive, friendly, respectful environment, you can expect so much more.
We are an employer in support of and offering Flexible working with the option to also work a 4-day week depending on business requirements, where you have the option of Fridays off. We offer competitive salaries alongside a flexible holiday entitlement.
We have a wealth of benefits available to you that can be selected through our wellbeing tool upon commencement of employment. Just a few of our amazing benefits are shown below:
- Private Medical Insurance
- Competitive Pension
- Dental
- Critical Illness
- Life Assurance
- Travel Insurance
- Employee discounts for top high street shops
- Employee Assistance Program which includes free face-to-face counseling sessions, Legal advice, Financial advice, etc.
- Internal training and development alongside our Education assistance programmes
- Reimbursement for a professional membership
- Competitive policies that support flexibility and family leave inclusive of enhanced maternity leave