Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

AAC Clyde Space

Glasgow, United Kingdom

About this role:

The Systems Engineer plays a central role in the design, integration, and delivery of AAC Clyde Space’s spacecraft platforms and missions.

They apply systems thinking to ensure every mission element, from requirements and architecture to verification and in-orbit operations, functions cohesively to meet technical, schedule, and commercial objectives.

Working across disciplines, the Systems Engineer provides technical leadership, defines system-level solutions, and manages interfaces between subsystems, payloads, and ground segments. They ensure design integrity through the full mission lifecycle, from concept definition to flight delivery and operations support.

The purpose of the role is to translate mission objectives into robust, verifiable system designs, enabling the delivery of reliable and high-performance small satellite missions that advance AAC Clyde Space’s vision of improving life on Earth through data from space.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define, manage, and verify system and mission requirements, ensuring traceability and compliance across all project phases;
• Lead or contribute to spacecraft design and architecture, including the development of system-level architectures, CONOPS, and interface definitions;
• Conduct system budget analysis (mass, power, data, delta-V, RF link) to ensure spacecraft performance aligns with mission objectives;
• Plan and coordinate system verification and validation (V&V) activities, including test planning, acceptance criteria, and verification methods;
• Support mission and constellation analysis, performing orbital and performance studies using tools such as STK or equivalent;
• Manage interface control across platform–payload, space–ground, and launch interfaces;
• Identify and mitigate technical risks through structured risk management and trade-off analysis;
• Apply and promote a systems engineering mindset, ensuring designs balance performance, risk, cost, and schedule;
• Technical input to bid and proposal work, supporting business growth.

Skills required:

• Relevant degree or equivalent work experience;
• Evident industry experience of applying systems engineering to system design and architecture;
• Proven experience applying systems engineering to the development and delivery of complex technical systems;
• Requirements management and verification (e.g., Valispace, DOORS, Jama);
• Experience in System budget analysis (mass, power, link, thermal);
• Interface control and ICD management;
• Test planning and AIT support;
• Risk management and trade-off analysis;
• Demonstrated ability to apply systems engineering principles to complex, multi-disciplinary projects;
• Collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams, fostering a shared sense of mission success;
• Take ownership of complex challenges and driving them to resolution with integrity and professionalism;
• Demonstrates sound judgement and resilience in dynamic, time-constrained environments;
• Competent IT skills including Microsoft software;
• Proficient in English, both verbally and written.

Skills desired:

• Previous experience in space, aerospace, or a high-reliability domain;
• Previous experience working with small/medium sized companies.