About Unbound
At Unbound, we design and build the key technologies that enable the emerging In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) ecosystem - cameras, sensors, and processing units that let spacecraft inspect, repair, and extend the life of satellites already in space. We are a small and highly-experienced team solving some of the hardest problems in the space industry.
Our aim is to enable great people to move fast: quick to hardware, quick to testing, quick to orbit!
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer who can be the technical backbone of our payload development programmes. Working alongside the Programme Manager, you will lead the development of our payloads from concept through to flight qualification and operations.
What you’ll get to do:
- Work hands-on with hardware that goes to orbit,
- Make decisions that shape our products from day one,
- Work alongside a highly experienced, cross-disciplinary team,
- Build hardware, test it and learn in fast iterations,
- Enjoy a modern central London office with flexible hybrid working options.
Key Responsibilities
- Be the technical lead across payload development programmes, ensuring technical coherence from mission requirements through to delivered product,
- Lead requirements engineering: capture, decompose, and flow down mission and system-level requirements to subsystem teams, and maintain traceability throughout the lifecycle,
- Conduct system-level analyses and trade studies to support architecture decisions – including functional analysis, performance budgets (mass, power, data, thermal, pointing), link budgets, and mission analysis,
- Coordinate and manage internal interfaces between subsystems and external interfaces with the host spacecraft,
- Lead technical reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR/TRB, QR) both externally with the customer but also internally as required,
- Support the definition and execution of verification and validation campaigns, working with discipline engineers to plan tests, review results, and close out requirements,
- Identify and manage technical risks at the system level and working with the Programme Manager to mitigate them,
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience leading complex development programmes in the space industry, with a track record of delivering hardware through multiple lifecycle phases,
- Strong understanding of system engineering principles,
- Experience defining verification and validation strategies, including DDVP plans,
- Knowledge of space programme lifecycle standards and review processes (e.g. ECSS, NASA, or equivalent),
- A technical background in one or more engineering disciplines (mechanical, electronics, software, optical, or similar) – you need enough depth to engage meaningfully with each subsystem team,
- Highly organised, independent, and proactive working style with the ability to manage competing priorities and drive initiatives forward without constant supervision,
- Excellent communication skills across all levels, capable of translating complex technical and programmatic information for diverse audiences.
Don’t meet every requirement? Apply anyway. We’d rather talk to someone with the right curiosity and drive than pass on a great engineer. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you.
What Unbound Offers
- 25 days of annual holiday plus a dedicated office shutdown period between Christmas and New Year,
- Hybrid working model with a balanced expectation of 3 days in the office per week,
- Benefits such as medical, dental, and life insurance,
- Annual training budget that you personally control, allowing you to invest in professional development, certifications, or learning opportunities aligned with your career goals.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Application question(s):
- Are you willing to work from Unbound's London office at least 3 days a week?
- Do you require visa sponsorship to work in the UK?
Work Location: In person
