Director of Systems Engineering

What if your next move wasn't simply another engineering leadership role, but an opportunity to influence how an entire satellite communications operation works together?

We are seeking an experienced Director of Systems Engineering to play a pivotal role within an established satellite communications business undergoing an exciting period of technical development and investment.

Working across a multidisciplinary technical organisation, you will bring together systems engineering, satellite operations, architecture and programme delivery. Your role will be to ensure that complex systems, technologies and teams work together effectively, helping the business optimise its existing capabilities while preparing for its next phase of development.

A major satellite programme is already underway, making this an opportunity to take ownership of important systems engineering activities from the outset. You will work closely with internal technical teams, satellite manufacturers and systems integrators, helping translate complex technical requirements into coherent architectures, operational procedures and delivery plans.

This is a senior, high-impact position suited to someone who combines strong technical foundations with the ability to see the bigger picture, challenge established thinking and bring people together around a common objective.

• Coordinate systems engineering activities across multiple technical disciplines, ensuring that individual systems and teams operate as part of a coherent whole.
• Provide system-level oversight of satellite architectures, integration activities and operational requirements.
• Challenge technical approaches, evaluate alternative solutions and help the business make informed decisions on system design and optimisation.
• Lead system-level troubleshooting, working with specialist teams to identify root causes, resolve complex issues and improve overall performance.
• Work with external manufacturers, suppliers and integration partners to ensure technical solutions meet operational and business requirements.

• Play a central role in the systems engineering activities supporting a major satellite programme.
• Coordinate technical work streams, integration requirements and operational preparations across internal teams and external partners.
• Ensure teams have the appropriate knowledge, training, processes and procedures to support new technologies and capabilities.
• Help develop and align operational concepts, procedures and disaster recovery arrangements.
• Ensure system-level considerations are integrated throughout programme planning, implementation and operational transition.

• Contribute to technology roadmaps and the evolution of the organisation's satellite communications capabilities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and their practical application to satellite operations and network architecture.
• Maintain awareness of developments in AI, machine learning, cloud-based architectures and software-defined systems.
• Assess opportunities associated with multi-orbit architectures spanning GEO, MEO and LEO, as well as the integration of satellite communications with terrestrial networks and 5G.
• Support decisions that balance technical capability, operational resilience, resource requirements and long-term business objectives.

• Review existing engineering processes, technical policies and procedures, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and cross-functional collaboration.
• Guide technical teams in strengthening systems engineering practices, integration processes and operational readiness.
• Promote effective change management, continuous improvement and consistent engineering standards.
• Help ensure that technical decisions and processes support the wider objectives of the organisation.

We are interested in individuals who combine broad systems engineering experience with a strong understanding of satellite operations and the ability to work across complex technical environments.

• Extensive experience in satellite communications, systems engineering or a closely related space-sector environment.
• Direct experience of spacecraft operations
  , alongside a broader understanding of satellite systems and their interfaces with ground infrastructure and supporting technologies.
• Experience working across multiple technical disciplines, with…