Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer Overview

Archangel Lightworks is seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer to join their innovative team based in Oxford. The company specializes in laser communication technology, developing wireless systems that are integral to next-generation infrastructure. Founded in 2017, they focus on satellite communication solutions, including their flagship product, the TERRA-M, a deployable optical ground station capable of high-speed space-ground data transfer. Supported by significant UK government agencies and investors, the company is committed to advancing critical national infrastructure with a focus on security, resilience, and technological innovation.

About the Role

The Senior Systems Engineer will be pivotal in defining, designing, integrating, and testing optical ground stations and related systems. This role requires close collaboration with internal engineering teams, external partners, and customers to ensure systems meet operational requirements and integrate seamlessly with partner systems. Responsibilities include establishing system and subsystem requirements, designing system architecture, ensuring robust integration, and supporting deployment and ongoing maintenance of ground stations. The role may also involve leading small teams, planning sprints, and coordinating activities to ensure project milestones are achieved on time. This position bridges systems engineering with other disciplines and operational workflows, offering a dynamic and impactful work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Own specific systems or subsystems, leading their specification, verification, and acting as the primary technical contact for external partners.
• Identify and mitigate risks and issues related to assigned systems proactively.
• Facilitate effective communication within product teams by producing detailed requirements, design models, and technical documentation to ensure system performance and coherence.
• Plan and execute testing, qualification, and operational demonstrations, ensuring compliance with standards and interoperability requirements.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including user manuals, interface control documents, operational procedures, and technical budgets.
• Lead Agile sprint planning, manage workflows, and coordinate daily subsystem development activities and supplier interactions.
• Contribute to process improvements in systems engineering, advocating for model-based approaches like MBSE and supporting their integration within the team.
• Lead major projects such as satellite link subsystems or ground station integrations, demonstrating strong architectural and design capabilities.
• Mentor junior engineers, influence technical decisions, and promote best practices across the engineering team.
• Communicate effectively with leadership and external stakeholders to ensure project clarity and alignment.
• Support system deployment, operation, troubleshooting, and participate in operational demonstrations and investigations.
• Generate intellectual property by innovating and documenting new system solutions.

Candidate Requirements

• A degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, with a strong theoretical background.
• Minimum of five yearsâ?? experience in systems engineering, especially with complex communication, electro-optical, electro-mechanical, or embedded systems.
• Hands-on experience operating systems for testing, demonstrations, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with systems engineering standards and tools such as MBSE, SysML, and Enterprise Architect.
• Experience managing the full engineering lifecycle from requirements to validation and operational support.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to interpret data and propose solutions.
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration across disciplines and with external partners, along with leadership qualities.
• Knowledge of safety standards, risk assessments, and safety lifecycle management, especially in space or safety-critical contexts.
• Understanding of security principles including encryption and secure data transfer.
• Desirable skills include experience with satellite communication systems, optical ground stations, high data rate protocols, and laser pointing/tracking algorithms.
• Experience with space flight system development, safety standards like ECSS, and product certification processes (CE, FCC).
• Familiarity with cloud services, networking protocols, data serialization formats, and programming languages such as Python.
• Location: Based in Oxford, with flexibility for remote work and occasional travel.

Benefits

• Work on cutting-edge optical systems supporting impactful and innovative projects.
• Join a collaborative and transparent culture with strong interdepartmental links.
• Enjoy regular social events and weekly team lunches.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development within a specialized engineering environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including equity options in a growing startup.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

Working Pattern

Primarily based in the Oxford office, with potential for remote work arrangements upon agreement with the line manager. Occasional travel may be required for business purposes.

We are committed to equal opportunity employment. If you require assistance or accommodations during the application process, please contact us through the application form. We encourage authentic applications and advise candidates to personalize AI-generated content to reflect their true experience and skills.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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