- KDH, Enterprise Road, Chilworth, Southampton Science Park, SO16 7NS
- Regular travel to our serial production facility in Italy
ABOUT OHMSPACE
OhmSpace develops high-temperature resistojet propulsion and spacecraft mobility products that use safe, low-cost and readily available propellants such as water. Our products give satellites faster manoeuvre capability, from CubeSats and small LEO spacecraft to secondary propulsion for larger GEO telecommunication platforms, helping operators accelerate revenue generation, reduce collision risk and move away from toxic hydrazine or chemical alternatives. Building on our STAR family propulsion products, we are developing platform solutions that will deliver spacecraft mobility as a service.
OhmSpace operates across the UK and Italy: our UK team in Southampton develops and qualifies new products, while serial production takes place in Italy. Join our small, fast-growing and highly motivated team, where you will work with cutting-edge technology alongside like-minded professionals, and help build a leading European space company shaping the future of in-space mobility.
THE ROLE
As a Space System Engineer, you will support the development of our new propulsion and platform products from design through assembly, integration and test, up to qualification, at our UK facility. You will be the engineer who turns working prototypes into qualified, robust and production-ready hardware.
You will also support serial production activities at our facility in Italy, ensuring a smooth transfer from qualification to production. You will work closely with our propulsion, mechanical, electronics and test engineers, play a key role in mentoring the team, and help set the engineering standards of a growing company.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
- Systems Engineering & Technical Leadership: Own requirements, interfaces (ICDs) and system budgets for new propulsion and platform products. Lead trade-offs, technical risk management and verification planning, prepare and lead design reviews (PDR, CDR, QR), and act as technical counterpart to customers and partners.
- Assembly, Integration & Test: Define and lead AIT plans and procedures for EM, QM and FM builds. Carry out hands‑on integration, cleanliness and contamination control, leak and proof testing and functional testing. Plan and execute environmental qualification campaigns (vibration, shock, TVAC) with external test facilities, and specify and maintain ground support equipment.
- Fluidic & Feed Systems: Working with the propulsion team, take ownership of the integration and verification of propellant storage and feed systems (tanks, valves, regulators, filters, pressure sensors and pipework) for water and high‑pressure gas propellants.
- Technical Procurement Support: Specify components and their technical requirements, including long‑lead items, and help define the procurement package for manufacturing. Provide technical support to manufacturing and quality on supplier selection and qualification, incoming inspection and supplier non‑conformances.
- Product Assurance Support & Configuration Control: Provide technical and local UK‑site support to quality‑led non‑conformance and anomaly investigations, maintain configuration control and build records, and produce the technical documentation and end‑item data packages required by customers and for qualification, following tailored ECSS practices.
- Qualification to Serial Production: Drive design for manufacture, assembly and test on prototypes and proto units, before hand‑over to the production plant. Consolidate production‑ready documentation, procedures and acceptance test specifications, and support the transfer and ramp‑up of serial production at our facility in Italy, including on‑site support and training of production staff.
- Platform Products: Contribute spacecraft‑level systems expertise to the architecture and development of our platform products, including interfaces with power, avionics and attitude control subsystems.
- Team Development: Mentor junior engineers, introduce and maintain pragmatic engineering processes, and contribute to building a high‑performance engineering team as the company grows.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
- 4 to 8 years of experience in the space industry in systems engineering and/or AIT of spacecraft or spacecraft subsystems, including at least one full development cycle (EM/QM/FM) up to qualification.
REQUIREMENTS
- Technical leadership: able to take ownership of engineering decisions within your scope, coordinate a multidisciplinary team and communicate clearly with colleagues, customers and partners.
- Technical programme management skills: able to plan, prioritise and track engineering activities against schedule and milestones, manage risks and dependencies, and keep downstream activities on time.
- Hands‑on AIT experience on space hardware through at least one full development cycle (EM/QM/FM) up to qualification.
- Experience planning and executing environmental test campaigns (vibration, shock, TVAC).
- Experience with spacecraft propulsion or fluid systems: integration and verification of propellant feed systems, pressure and leak testing, cleanliness and contamination control.
- Systems engineering fundamentals (requirements, ICDs, budgets and verification planning) and working knowledge of ECSS standards or equivalent, including verification, product assurance and configuration management.
- Experience supporting procurement, supplier and non‑conformance activities alongside manufacturing and quality teams.
- Experience taking hardware from development to a robust, repeatable, production‑ready product.
- Ability to work autonomously and to rapidly change roles and priorities in a fast‑paced, challenging environment.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Fluent in English (spoken and written).
- Willingness to travel regularly.
NICE TO HAVE
- Spacecraft‑level background, such as platform integration, AOCS/GNC, power or avionics.
- Experience with high‑pressure gas handling (e.g. xenon) and cleanroom work.
- Experience mentoring junior engineers.
- Experience with CAD and common engineering analysis tools.
- Experience of ESA contracts (e.g. GSTP, ARTES) or other institutional programmes.
- Experience of serial or batch production of space hardware and of quality management systems (e.g. ISO 9001, AS9100).
CULTURE
We are a small and fast-growing team, dedicated, smart, and focussed on our mission to innovate the space industry at every opportunity. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity. Let's build together a positive and enjoyable work environment!
You're in the right place if you:
- Embrace innovation and continuous learning, being open to new ideas and approaches.
- Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment.
- Take ownership of results and deliver to deadlines.
- Handle high‑pressure situations well, remaining focused through demanding periods.
- Collaborate efficiently with cross‑functional teams to achieve project goals and solve problems effectively.
- Are willing to travel both within the UK and abroad.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Pay range: from £42,000 to £65,000/year
Vacancy type: permanent, full time
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. In addition, you may receive the following benefits:
- Stock options program to grow alongside the company.
- Flexible work hours and work environment that prioritises wellbeing and better work‑life balance.
- Professional development opportunities (industry conferences and events, mentoring and coaching, cross‑functional training).
- Good vacation policy plus flexible additional leave for your personal needs.
- Company-sponsored events and activities.
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace
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