Space Systems Engineer

Space Systems Engineer

D-Orbit

Fino Mornasco, Italy

In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end engineering of space systems and missions, from requirements definition and architecture design through integration, verification, validation, and in-orbit support.

You will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams with a focus on the sub-systems of avionics, flight software, ground software and telecommunications. You will also support technical interactions with suppliers and customers, contribute to major project reviews, and provide engineering support to operations.

Key Responsibilities & Tasks:

• Own system-level design and technical coherence for selected missions and products (satellites, payloads).
• Derive, consolidate, and manage system and subsystem requirements from customer needs, standards, and mission objectives.
• Define and maintain system architectures, functional chains, and interfaces (ICDs) between platform, payload, and ground segment.
• Contribute to mission analysis and performance budgets (mass, power, data, thermal, link).
• Lead or support system-level trade-off studies (architecture options, technology choices, make-or-buy decisions).
• Prepare and maintain key systems engineering deliverables(CONOPS, requirement specifications, interface control documents, verification plans).
• Plan and support system integration, verification and validation activities at subsystem and system level (functional, performance, environmental, and end-to-end tests).
• Contribute to anomaly investigation and in-orbit troubleshooting.
• Coordinate technical data exchange with suppliers and partners, including review of their documentation and test results.
• Ensure compliance with relevant space standards (e.g. ECSS, CCSDS) and internal processes.
• Provide technical input for bids and proposals (system concepts, work breakdown, estimates, risks).

Requirements:

• Experience in systems engineering in the space, aerospace, or other highly regulated industry (e.g. defence, automotive, medical).
• Hands-on experience with requirements engineering and configuration management tools (e.g. DOORS, Jama, Codebeamer, or equivalent).
• Proven experience in at least one of the following domains, plus good understanding of the other:
  • On-board data handling and avionics.
  • Scientific/commercial payloads/instruments for EO.
  • Telecommunications.
  • Software Development.
• Experience with performance budget preparation and analysis (e.g. mass, power, data, link, or thermal budgets).
• Familiarity with space industry standards and practices (e.g. ECSS, CCSDS, NASA standards).
• Experience in system integration and testing, including reviewing test procedures, witnessing tests, and analysing results.
• Comfortable working with simulation and modelling tools (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar).
• Basic knowledge of common digital interfaces and buses used in space systems (e.g. CAN, SPI, I2C, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet).
• Solid understanding of reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety concepts (RAMS) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured, systems-thinking mindset.
• A self-starter with strong organisational skills; able to work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including preparation of clear technical documentation and presentations.
• Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory; additional languages are an asset.
• Deep knowledge of AI tools.