Systems Engineer

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ALTEN is hiring a mid level System Engineer in London to support a major spacecraft mission. The role is on site 1-2 times per month, requires a clearable security status, and space industry experience is mandatory. You will lead system level requirements definition, flow-down, and verification planning, architect interfaces across electrical, mechanical, RF, software and payload domains, produce ICDs, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and drive risk analysis and trade studies. Desirable MBSE, ECSS knowledge, and AIT familiarity. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight end-to-end system engineering, documented interfaces, verification activities and measurable results; show readiness for security clearance and on site work. ALTEN supports career development and a diverse, collaborative culture.

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

Seeking a System Engineer to join our team in London to support a major spacecraft mission within the space sector. You will play a central role in defining, coordinating, and validating system‑level behaviour across multiple subsystems, ensuring the spacecraft meets its mission requirements with reliability and precision.

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead system‑level requirements definition, flow‑down, and traceability across all spacecraft subsystems.
• Develop and maintain the system architecture, ensuring coherent interfaces between electrical, mechanical, RF, software, and payload domains.
• Produce and manage Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system specifications, and verification plans.
• Coordinate technical activities across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring alignment with mission‑level objectives.
• Support trade‑off analyses, design reviews, and system‑level decision‑making throughout the development lifecycle.
• Lead system‑level verification and validation, including functional testing, performance assessment, and compliance checks.
• Analyse subsystem interactions, identify risks, and drive mitigation strategies to ensure spacecraft reliability.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Mandatory Space industry experience — direct involvement in spacecraft, satellite systems, or mission‑critical space hardware.
• Strong understanding of system engineering processes for complex aerospace platforms.
• Experience defining and managing system‑level requirements and interfaces.
• Ability to interpret subsystem documentation (electrical, mechanical, RF, software, payload).
• Experience with verification and validation activities at system level.
• Skilled in producing system documentation such as ICDs, specifications, and verification matrices.
• Strong analytical skills for trade studies, risk analysis, and system‑level problem solving.
• Ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Required Qualifications:

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

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of ECSS or similar space‑industry standards.
• Experience with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) tools or methodologies.
• Familiarity with spacecraft AIT workflows and system‑level testing.
• Understanding of mission analysis, operations concepts, and spacecraft behaviour.
• Exposure to configuration control, change management, and system baselining.

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.