Job Description
Role: System Architect
Location: London, UK (Hybrid) - Possible remote
Rate: £600–£650 per day (DOE)
Start Date: ASAP
Type: Contract (6 months, with potential extensions)
IR35 Status: Outside IR35
Company Overview
Our client is a fast-growing organisation within the space industry, focused on delivering sustainable space solutions. Working with leading global partners, they are driving innovation across complex space missions in the UK and Europe.
The Role
This is a senior technical leadership position, acting as the System Architect and technical authority across space missions. You will lead system-level design and delivery across the full lifecycle, from concept through to integration, testing, and in-orbit operations, while working closely with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end mission development across space, ground, and launch segments
- Define system architecture, requirements, and technical baselines
- Manage technical delivery, risks, and schedules
- Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and system interfaces
- Support integration, testing (AIT), and in-orbit operations
- Act as technical lead with customers, partners, and subcontractors
Key Skills & Experience
- 10+ years in spacecraft or aerospace engineering
- Strong experience in system architecture and mission design
- Background across the full project lifecycle (design to delivery)
- Experience with LEO, MEO, or GEO spacecraft
- Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills
Experience in several of the following:
Avionics, Electrical/Power, AOCS, Propulsion, Thermal/Mechanical, FDIR, AIT, launch interfaces, or manufacturing
Nice to Have
- MSc in Aerospace, Engineering, Physics, or similar
- Experience with organisations such as ESA or UKSA
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
If this role aligns with your experience and career goals, we’d love to hear from you. For a confidential discussion, please contact:
07441 347 401
schoudhury@octagongroup.co.uk