About this role
Salary: £33,000 - 69,000 per year
Requirements: We require a Bachelors or Masters degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering field, with a strong theoretical background.We require 5+ years of experience in systems engineering of comparable systems such as complex communications, electro-optical, electro-mechanical, or embedded software systems.We require demonstrable hands-on practical skills and the ability to directly operate the system to run tests, perform operational demos, and investigate issues.We require understanding of systems engineering standards and processes such as MBSE and SysML, and associated tool support such as Enterprise Architect.We require experience across the full engineering lifecycle, from requirements definition through verification and validation to operations and production.We require strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, including the ability to analyse data and apply engineering judgement to propose solutions and evaluate options.We require excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines and with external partners, and provide technical leadership.Desirable additional skills include experience with satellite communication systems, optical ground stations, or related technologies and standards such as CCSDS, SDA, and ESTOL.Desirable additional skills include experience with high data rate communications, precision optics and lasers, and pointing and tracking algorithms.Desirable additional skills include experience developing space flight systems to ECSS standards.Desirable additional skills include experience developing safety-related systems, including risk assessments, functional safety lifecycles, and standards such as IEC 61508.Desirable additional skills include understanding of system security principles, including encryption, authentication, and secure data transfer.Desirable additional skills include experience with control systems implementation and modelling, including precision tracking, and use of Matlab/Simulink.Desirable additional skills include experience with product qualification and certification such as CE and FCC, and domain-specific standards.Desirable additional skills include familiarity with cloud software integration, networking protocols and distributed systems such as TCP/IP, HTTP, and MQTT, and data serialization formats such as JSON and Protobuf.Desirable additional skills include knowledge of data visualization tools and techniques for operational monitoring and analysis, and use of tools and programming languages such as Python for analysis and automation. Responsibilities: We own systems or subsystems as required, leading specification and verification activities and serving as the primary technical point of contact for external partners.We actively identify and address risks and issues within the allocated systems.We drive communications within the product teams, producing accurate requirements, designs, models, and documents to ensure performance, consistency, and coherence of the overall design.We plan and execute verification, qualification, and operational demonstration of designs to agreed internal and external standards, including interoperability.We develop, maintain, and review system documentation and models, including user manuals, ICDs, operational procedures, and technical budgets.We lead sprint planning where needed, manage Agile workflows, and ensure timely delivery of team tasks, including day-to-day coordination of subsystem developments and technical supplier/subcontract management.We contribute to continual improvement of our systems engineering processes, including model-based systems engineering and tool support, and advocate this process within the engineering team.We lead significant projects, developments, or parts of the system, such as a major subsystem for satellite link or ground station integration.We demonstrate strong architecture and design skills and tackle ambiguous technical challenges.We mentor mid-level and junior engineers and influence technical decisions and best practices.We communicate effectively with leadership and external stakeholders.We proactively seek opportunities for growth, stay abreast of the state of the art, drive innovation based on new developments, and embody curiosity.We support deployment and operation of the system.We generate and capture intellectual property. Technologies: ArchitectCloudEmbeddedHTTPSupportJSONMatlabMQTTPythonSecurityTCP/IPAI More:
We are Archangel Lightworks, a laser communications company building wireless technology. Founded in 2017, we believe laser communications to and from satellites are a key component of next-generation infrastructure. Our core product, the TERRA-M, is a deployable optical ground station with proven capability for space ground data transfer. We develop and operate products that advance the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure. We value compassion, resilience, curiosity, ownership, and integrity. We are a fast-paced and supportive start-up where you can contribute to novel technology with meaningful applications, including reducing the Digital Divide. We recently closed over £10 million of investment in an oversubscribed Series A funding round and are supported by the UK Space Agency, DSIT, and the UK Ministry of Defence. This Senior Systems Engineer role is based in our Osney Mead, Oxford office, with potential work from home by agreement and periodic business travel. We offer the opportunity to work on advanced optical systems, a collaborative and transparent culture with strong links between functions, regular socials and a weekly company lunch, professional development in a specialist engineering field, a competitive salary and benefits package with equity options, and 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays. We are an equal opportunity employer and aim to ensure a fair and consistent interview process.
last updated 37 week of 2026