Lead System Engineer (Satellite Communications)

Are you an experienced Lead Systems Engineer looking to make the world (and the solar system) a more connected place?

Joining Archangel Lightworks, you will be responsible of the technical leadership of the product development team to deliver a market-leading optical communication terminal in a start-up environment. Join us and you will be working with a fun, experienced, and forward-thinking space engineering team to deliver transformative free-space lasercom solutions to help solve some of Earth’s most critical problems, from economic inclusion to climate change. But that’s not all! We work extensively with aerospace primes, space agencies and specialist research partners which will provide you with exposure to cutting-edge technologies and exciting challenges, all in a fast-paced, supportive startup environment. You will be an integral part of a growing team which has already won international prizes and awards including having completed the Catalyst Accelerator which is backed by the US Air Force, Space Force and Microsoft.

You will make an impact by:

Managing and executing system design processes for high-performance free space optical communication terminals (1-100Gbps+)System and subsystem level trade analysis on a performance and cost basisDefining and tracking of system requirements from initial use case definition, subsequent subsystem and component requirement derivationDefining and maintenance of technical budgets (link, pointing, mass, volume, and data budgets)Interfacing with external customers, partners, suppliers and external subcontractors on a technical basis as appropriateCreating test plans and specifications as neededOverseeing Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) activitiesLeading technical reviews Managing project and product technical dataManaging system configuration, changes and associated processesTechnical management (requirement, interface, planning, risk, configuration, etc.) to support the project management teamSupporting the professional development of project engineers, empowering the team by arranging appropriate training, and providing feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement through 121’s

Must have requirements:

Technical degree, e.g. systems engineering, satellite communication engineering, electronic engineering, physics, aerospace engineering

Experience developing satellite communication systems or electro-optic systems/payloadsExperience with MBSE, SysML and relevant MBSE tools (e.g. Enterprise Architect)Experience with systems engineering through manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing phases e.g. ESA phase C/D/E

Nice to have requirements

You don’t need these to apply, but please highlight if you have any of them to help your application stand out:

Familiarity with relevant CCSDS and ECSS standardsFamiliarity with relevant IEEE standardsFamiliarity with European Space Agency and Ministry of Defense (MOD) processesAIT experience, particularly high-speed electronics or opticsKnowledge of control systems, GNC, pointing acquisition and tracking systemsExperience with C-Band optical communication components including detector technology (coherent, non-coherent), photodetectors, optical amplifiers, laser diodes, modulators, high speed digital electronics, adaptive opticsFPGAs, VHDL, IP Core implementationExperience working in an agile development environmentExperience with supplier management, supply chain management.

Location: Hybrid with travel when required. Our office is currently based at the Harwell Space Campus, Oxfordshire, but we’ll be making a move to new premises in Oxford early 2023. Ideally 3-4 days per week will be in person in the office.

By joining us, you will have:

The opportunity to make a measurable difference in a growing startup building cutting edge technology to support a world-changing vision;Flexibility: Options for flexible working hours, working from home and custom arrangements that matter to you;Merit-based compensation (salary, equity options scheme), alongside pension contribution and annual leave allowanceInvestment in you to help you grow, with training resources and budgetA supportive team culture with high levels of ownership and responsibilityAnnual team retreat, regular socials and weekly team lunchA variety of additional perks including goodies, shopping discounts, learning and wellbeing app subscriptions.