Who are we?
Magdrive is developing the next generation of spacecraft propulsion. Our thruster delivers an unparalleled combination of thrust and efficiency, opening new frontiers in satellite servicing, in-space construction, and interplanetary transport .
We are now seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to join our Product Team — a role essential to taking flight hardware through versioned in-orbit demos into a qualified product we can deliver at scale. Reporting directly to the CTO, you’ll ensure system-level integrity as we move from R&D prototypes to flight models and scale production to thousands of units per year.
This role will be integral to the development of systems-level design and integration. You’ll work closely with R&D to inform Engineering Model (EM) builds, drive the qualification of Flight Models (FM), and establish rigorous standards of care, handling, and documentation for flight hardware.
Beyond technical integration, you’ll collaborate with Business Development to ensure seamless customer system integration, aligning Magdrive’s technology with end-user requirements and paving the way for scaling from early flight heritage to large-scale deployment. As one of Magdrive’s early employees, you will hold significant responsibility with substantial potential for career growth . The systems you help shape will directly influence the Magdrive propulsion system’s evolution and have a tangible impact on the future of space travel.
What you will be doing?
Systems Architecture
- Define, implement, and maintain the system architecture for flight hardware and ground support systems
- Own system-level requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), verification plans, and risk register
- Ensure full traceability from customer needs to subsystem specifications and test cases
Integration & Delivery
- Plan and oversee system integration across hardware, software, and test environments
- Collaborate with technical teams to ensure systems are buildable, testable, and deliverable
- Support Product/Program teams with flight-readiness reviews and customer delivery milestones
Process & Tooling
- Design, implement, and maintain systems engineering tools and processes (e.g. MBSE, configuration control, gated reviews)
- Codify organisational knowledge into scalable workflows
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Product, Program, and Engineering teams to align technical decisions with delivery goals
- Act as a system-level technical interface with customers and external partners
Customer Engagement
- Serve as the technical interface and system owner with customers, ensuring needs are central to product development
- Oversee integration with customer hardware and ensure compliance with technical requirements
- Coordinate with Business Development to address ongoing customer requirements
Technical Execution
- Lead qualification, component integration, and manufacturing execution
- Define technical requirements for EM and set quality test standards
- Manage the technical aspects of supply chain management
- Implement processes and equipment to improve quality, delivery, and cost
What we are looking for?
Essential
- 5+ years’ experience in systems engineering and product delivery in aerospace/space (or other complex engineering domains), including 2+ years in a senior capacity
- Skilled at defining and managing system requirements and interfaces
- Proven ability to plan and manage system integration and testing
- Strong problem-solving and trade-off decision-making skills
- Effective communicator and collaborator across disciplines
- Direct space domain experience (e.g. spacecraft, propulsion, or satellite systems)
Desirable
- Experience with CAD (electrical and mechanical)
- Understanding of thermal and structural considerations for space systems
- Experience in systems engineering for spacecraft and subsystems
- Demonstrable experience with spacecraft chemical and electric propulsion
What we offer;
💷 Salary: £65k – £75k per annum (DOE)
🌴 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, plus long-service awards (up to 30 days)
🏥 Private medical insurance
⏰ Flexible working hours
💻 Remote working where possible
🏡 Financial support for home office setup
