Senior Electrical Engineer

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

ALTEN is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer in London to lead the design and development of spacecraft electrical subsystems across power, harness and data handling for a space mission. The role is onsite 1 to 2 days per month, requires security clearance, and sits at mid to senior level. You will own the electrical architecture, define power distribution strategies and reliable interfaces, and develop harness architectures with schematics, ICDs and wiring diagrams. Mandatory space industry experience with spacecraft power systems and harness design is essential, along with ECSS familiarity and exposure to environmental qualification. To apply, tailor your CV to show end-to-end system ownership, highlight mission impact, and confirm security clearance eligibility.

Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join our team in London specialising in Power, Harness, and Data Handling to support a major mission within the space sector. You will play a key role in the design, development, and integration of spacecraft electrical systems, ensuring high reliability and performance in orbit.

• Location: London
• On Site: 1-2x a month 
• Clearance: Clearable 
• Experience Level: Mid - Senior 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of spacecraft electrical subsystems across power, harness, and data‑handling domains.
• Own the electrical architecture, ensuring robust, fault‑tolerant designs suitable for orbital environments.
• Define and maintain power distribution strategies, load management, protection concepts, and high‑reliability electrical interfaces.
• Develop and review harness architectures, including routing, connector selection, grounding, shielding, and cable‑level reliability.
• Oversee data‑handling interfaces, ensuring seamless communication between avionics units, payloads, and onboard computers.
• Produce and validate electrical schematics, ICDs, wiring diagrams, and subsystem documentation throughout the development lifecycle.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Mandatory Space industry experience — direct involvement in spacecraft electrical systems, satellite platforms, or mission‑critical space hardware.
• Power system design for spacecraft (power distribution, conversion, protection, load analysis).
• Harness architecture including routing, connector selection, grounding, shielding, and high‑reliability cable design.
• Data‑handling systems including avionics interfaces, communication buses, and onboard data flows.
• Experience with high‑reliability electrical hardware for harsh environments (radiation, thermal extremes, vacuum).
• Ability to produce and review electrical schematics, ICDs, wiring diagrams, and system‑level documentation.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with digital and analogue electronics for space applications.
• Knowledge of ECSS or similar space‑industry standards.
• Familiarity with FMEA, fault‑tolerance strategies, and redundancy concepts.
• Experience with environmental qualification (vibration, thermal‑vacuum, radiation testing).
• Understanding of spacecraft integration, AIT workflows, and verification campaigns.
• Exposure to avionics architectures, onboard computers, and spacecraft command/data handling systems.

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.