Orbit Fab's mission is to create the foundational infrastructure that will fuel a bustling in-space economy, capable of sustaining permanent jobs in space. Today, satellites cannot be refueled, which severely constrains their mobility and inhibits the development of economic activities in space.

Orbit Fab breaks the single-use paradigm, pioneering our Gas Stations in Space™ refueling infrastructure and RAFTI™ technology to deliver propellant in space, enabling lower-cost satellite construction, increased maneuverability, precise control, and extended lifespans. The possibilities are unprecedented, opening the doors to unimagined operational strategies and business models.

Since our establishment in 2018, we have already achieved the successful launch of three tankers to space. With offices in both the US and UK, we are working in close collaboration with partners and customers across the space industry. Orbit Fab is rapidly ramping up capabilities and requires exceptional talent to tackle important challenges. Our roles offer wide ranging opportunities to have a demonstrable impact and enable a bustling space economy.

About the role

As an Electrical / Avionics Engineer, you will support the engineering team in defining the requirements, architecture and detailed solutions for upcoming flight missions. You will be involved in efforts for the qualification of UK developed technologies as well as the definition and follow-up of spacecraft electrical and avionic systems for near-term flight missions. You’ll be tasked with investigating design problems, providing justification of decision making, and bringing a sound technical approach. This position will allow you to work independently and exercise your judgment, as well as be part of a cross-speciality team to solve the engineering problems that accompany hardware in space. This role may also have team leadership responsibilities depending on candidate profile.

This role is intended for an experienced engineer in a relevant field, however, if you feel you would succeed in the role described, we encourage you to apply regardless of whether or not you meet all of the requirements listed.

What you'll do

• Design, test, and fly electrical and avionics systems across Orbit Fab's refuelling vehicles, docking hardware, and spacecraft components.
• Manage avionics architecture at spacecraft level, defining requirements, functional design, interfaces and development plan.
• Support Technical decision-making and processes definition in the field of electronics and avionics.
• Lead technical reviews and critique engineering processes around electronics and avionics
• Guide electrical engineering processes and facilitate technical trades across the system.
• Identify technical issues and proactively implement resolutions to mitigate schedule and cost impacts.
• EEE Parts and/or radiation parts analysis / follow up with suppliers and contractors
• Design for electronics mission lifetime and architecture
• Define functional interfaces and architecture with regards to flight software
• Miscellaneous software development for engineering models/ GSE and support to Hardware in the Loop testing
• Provide technical mentorship to team members and monitor the technical integrity of all team member contributions.
• Contribute technical knowledge around electrical engineering/avionics to proposal development and writing.
• Support BD activities from an engineering perspective

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Electrical, Software or Aerospace Engineering or similar degree with 5+ years of experience OR MS with 4+ years of experience
• Experience developing avionics and/or electrical systems for space applications
• Can work autonomously, views work with a critical eye, prepares and gives peer reviews of work prior to critical milestones to peers.
• Collaborative and team focused
• Excellent communication, analytical and organisational skills
• An effective sense of urgency and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, small company environment

Nice To Haves

• Experience of the complete lifecycle of avionics or electrical systems in spacecraft, from initial requirements to working in space.
• Experience in developing spacecraft flight software and associated functional architectures
• Experience in working spacecraft or launch vehicle operations
• Familiarity with rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) flight operations
• Experience in the development spacecraft sensing systems (particularly cameras for ISAM)
• Experience in flatsat / avionics verification model campaigns

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Orbit Fab, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply if you feel you would succeed in the role above.

Salary

Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

Location and Benefits

The UK Orbit Fab office is based at Harwell Campus, the UK’s preeminent gateway to the space industry, and only a short drive from Oxford with convenient access to London.

We offer a range of benefits that can be discussed during the interview process.

Eligibility

Candidate must have right to work in the UK.

Orbit Fab is an equal opportunity employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive place in which our talent can thrive. As such, Orbit Fab does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organisation, retaliation, parental status, military service, other non-merit factor or any other protected characteristic or protected category recognised by the law of jurisdictions in which we operate. All hiring and recruitment decisions made at Orbit Fab are subject to Orbit Fab’s compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.