Senior Systems Engineer – Spacecraft Payload

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to lead technical efforts on spacecraft payload systems within a complex international space programme. The role will oversee externally developed payload hardware, coordinating with international suppliers and internal spacecraft teams to ensure requirements compliance and successful integration from design through delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering leadership for payload development, including requirements definition, interface control, and performance analysis.
• Define technical requirements, statements of work, and acceptance criteria for supplier contracts.
• Oversee international suppliers through design, manufacturing, integration, and test phases.
• Review supplier designs, analysis outputs, and documentation for compliance with system requirements.
• Lead technical interchange meetings and participate in internal and external design reviews.
• Maintain alignment between payload subsystems and overall spacecraft architecture.
• Support verification, validation, and acceptance planning at payload and system level.
• Identify technical risks from supplier activities and drive mitigation actions.
• Communicate status, risks, and recommendations to programme and engineering leadership.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of supplier‑facing processes.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience in aerospace, space systems or high‑reliability industries.
• Proven experience managing externally sourced hardware and international supplier networks.
• Strong understanding of requirements‑driven development, interface control and verification/validation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for complex technical discussions.

Required skills

• Systems engineering
• Payload integration
• Requirements management
• Interface control
• Verification and validation processes
• Performance analysis