Space Systems Design Engineer

Space Systems Design Engineer

SATLANTIS

Bilbao, Spain

As a Space Systems Design Engineer, you will contribute to the definition, design, and evolution of satellite systems and payloads, working at system level across the full lifecycle of complex space missions.

What’s in it for you

• End-to-end mission exposure: You will take part in the design of complete satellite systems, from early concepts to mission-ready architectures.
• System-level engineering responsibility: Work on satellite architecture, subsystem integration, launcher compatibility, and engineering trade-offs across missions.
• Cross-disciplinary growth: You will collaborate with AIT, operations, thermal, and flight dynamics teams, gaining a broad space engineering perspective.
• High technical ownership: You will actively contribute to key design decisions and system-level technical definitions.
• Flexible growth path: Open to different experience levels, with structured onboarding and learning to progressively increase responsibility.
• Purpose-driven space projects: Your work will directly contribute to Earth observation missions with real impact on science and sustainability.

Your mission

Your mission will be to design and define satellite and payload systems that are technically robust, mission-ready, and aligned with launch and operational constraints.

By combining system thinking with engineering execution, you will help transform mission concepts into real spacecraft operating in orbit.

You will:

• Design satellite concepts using CAD, including structure, subsystem layout, cable routing, and launcher compliance.
• Define and coordinate system-level requirements and technical trade-offs across subsystems.
• Support engineering analysis and system budgets (mass, power, data, link).

Depending on your interests and experience, you may also contribute to:

• Satellite operations strategies and in-orbit performance analysis.
• Assembly, Integration & Test activities.
• Flight dynamics and mission analysis.
• Thermal design and system-level analysis.

What will set you up for success

• Strong engineering foundation: A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Telecommunications Engineering (or equivalent) provides the base to work confidently at system level.
• Passion for space systems design: Interest in satellite architecture, modelling, and mission engineering will help you thrive in a multidisciplinary and technical environment.
• Systems thinking and problem-solving: You enjoy understanding complexity, making trade-offs, and turning requirements into robust engineering solutions.
• Autonomy and ownership: You are comfortable taking responsibility for technical work and driving it forward in a collaborative environment.
• Collaboration mindset: Space missions are built in teams, and your ability to communicate and align with different engineering disciplines will be key.
• English fluency: Essential for working in international engineering environments. Spanish is a plus.

Preferred experience that will help you stand out

• Experience in satellite system design or mission engineering.
• Knowledge of CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks) and system engineering methods.
• Familiarity with FEM, thermal analysis, or subsystem integration.
• Experience with space engineering tools such as STK, Nastran, or ESATAN.
• Exposure to Earth observation missions or space projects.
• Basic Python programming skills.