Head of Space Systems Engineering / Space Systems Engineering Manager
Barcelona | Full time
About the Company
A fast-growing Earth Observation company developing a next-generation constellation of satellites focused on delivering high-resolution thermal imagery of the planet. Their technology provides critical insights for environmental monitoring, infrastructure management, and resource protection through advanced thermal sensing capabilities.
As the business continues to expand its satellite fleet and payload capabilities, they are seeking a Head of Space Systems Engineering to lead the development and delivery of future missions.
The Role
This position will lead the Space Systems team responsible for the design, development, integration, testing, launch, and operation of satellite platforms and advanced thermal imaging payloads. Reporting closely to senior leadership, you will provide technical direction across multiple engineering disciplines, manage programme delivery, support customer and partner engagements, and help shape the future roadmap of the company's space infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the Space Systems function across the full mission lifecycle, from concept through launch and operations.
* Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technical specialists.
* Drive the development of spacecraft and payload systems, ensuring performance, schedule, and mission objectives are achieved.
* Work closely with software, payload, remote sensing, and operations teams to deliver mission success.
* Support customer, partner, supplier, and consortium engagements, translating requirements into technical solutions.
* Lead technical reviews, system trade studies, verification activities, and programme planning.
* Contribute to R&D initiatives, technology development, and future mission concepts.
* Establish engineering best practices, documentation standards, and project management processes.
Requirements
* Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Electronics, Telecommunications, Optics, or a related discipline.
* 7+ years of satellite and/or payload systems engineering experience covering the full mission lifecycle.
* 3+ years of technical leadership or engineering management experience within the space sector.
* Proven experience delivering spacecraft or payload programmes into orbit.
* Strong knowledge of satellite subsystems, payload integration, systems engineering, verification, and environmental testing.
* Experience with optical or Earth Observation payloads.
* Familiarity with modelling and simulation tools such as STK, GMAT, MATLAB, or Simulink.
* Experience supporting manufacturing, integration, and test activities.
* Strong Python and Linux skills.
* Fluent English.
Desirable
* Thermal infrared payload experience (MWIR/LWIR).
* Knowledge of remote sensing products and image processing workflows.
* Experience with cloud infrastructure, Docker, or geospatial data standards.
Location & Benefits
* Barcelona, Spain (primarily onsite with hybrid flexibility).
* Flexible working hours.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* International and collaborative environment.
* Additional holiday allowance and wellness benefits.