Space Mission Systems Engineer

Job Title: Space Mission Systems Engineer

Location: Alton, Christchurch, Broad Oak, Frimley, Warton. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Circa £60,000 depending on skills and experience

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

In this role, you will support system of systems engineering for the development of multi-domain architecture concepts that integrate space systems with air, maritime, subsea and land assets. You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams and play a key role in ensuring technical coherence, system performance, and successful delivery of mission objectives. You will identify future operational challenges and opportunities for cross domain capability enhancement and support the identification key technology enablers.

Core Duties:

• Support or lead study and demonstration activities for future space mission concept development and multi domain integration
• Perform mission needs analysis, trade studies, and system architecture development
• Define, manage, and validate system-level requirements and interfaces
• Perform technology horizon scanning to determine feasibility and strategic impact (5–20 year outlook)
• Conduct functional analyses, budgets (mass, power, data, thermal), and performance modelling
• Support engagement with external industry for equipment and technology development

Essential Skills:

• You will have demonstrable experience in systems engineering within the space sector and experience in the delivery of space technology and/or space mission concept studies or R&D projects
• You will have confidence in translating ambiguous, early-stage concepts into well-formed capability requirements
• You will have working knowledge of typical spacecraft subsystems (AOCS, Comms, EPS, Payloads, OBC/Software, OBDH) and hands-on experience with satellite programmes preferably across the full project lifecycle
• You will have experience with industry standards and frameworks (e.g. ECSS, NASA, NAF)
• Defence or military operational experience utilising space assets and/or data to provide operational context to multi-domain activities and understanding of C5ISR systems is desirable

The Space Business Unit:

The Space Business Unit comprises ~150 people all with a passion for Space! The BU hub is in Alton, Hampshire, where the spacecraft assembly and test facilities and spacecraft operations centre are located. The team are working on a range of spacecraft missions and concepts and we launched our first mission, Azalea, in December 2026.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 21st May 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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