Senior Systems Engineer – Spacecraft Payloads

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to lead technical activities for spacecraft payload systems within a complex international space programme. You will act as the primary interface between payload suppliers, internal spacecraft teams, and programme leadership, ensuring seamless integration from design to 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 payload interface definitions across multiple engineering teams and suppliers.
• Support payload and system‑level verification, validation, and acceptance planning.
• Identify technical risks from supplier activities and drive mitigation actions.
• Communicate technical 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 a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience in aerospace, space systems, or other high‑reliability industries.
• Proven experience managing externally sourced or supplier‑developed hardware.
• Strong background in spacecraft payload systems or complex subsystem integration.
• Demonstrated ability to work across international supplier networks.

Required skills

• Systems engineering
• Spacecraft payload integration
• Requirements definition and management
• Interface control
• Verification and validation processes