Ground Segment Systems Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Ground Segment Systems Engineer who will be focused on designing and defining the Payload Data Pre-Processing chain within a satellite ground system. The role covers architecture, interfaces, control & monitoring, algorithmic processing, verification inputs, and operational readiness, ensuring payload data is correctly prepared for downstream processing., * Define the functional and logical design of the PDPP chain from input to output

• Develop the PDPP architecture, allocating functions to script-based components and other implementations

• Produce interface definitions / ICDs at both component and end-to-end chain level

• Define control and monitoring functions, including alarms, status, fault handling, and operability

• Create development and testing plans for PDPP components

• Document algorithmic descriptions for all payload data transformation processes

• Perform data budget and performance analysis, including latency, throughput, integrity, error handling, and decryption success

• Provide inputs to wider engineering activities such as: o FMEA o IV&V plans o operator training material

• Produce and maintain design artefacts such as trade-offs, models, notes, records, and technical documentation

• Strong experience in systems engineering within complex technical environments

• Experience in satellite ground systems, payload data processing, or similar data-heavy operational systems

• Proven background in producing: o architecture documentation o interface definitions / ICDs o test plans o technical design artefacts

• Experience across the engineering lifecycle, including: o requirements derivation o design o implementation support o verification and integration

• Experience with scripted or automated processing pipelines

• Ability to work with data integrity, completeness, traceability, and performance constraints

DESIRABLE SKILLS:

• Knowledge of payload data chains, downlink data handling, and decryption/integrity checking

• Scripting ability in Python, Shell, or similar

• Familiarity with control & monitoring concepts for operational systems

• Experience contributing to FMEA, IV&V, and operational readiness activities

• Understanding of: o latency and throughput analysis o fault handling and alerting o monitoring and logging

• Experience with Linux, Git, configuration control, and automated testing

• Strong stakeholder communication and technical documentation skills

With five strategic offices in Belfast, Chester, Farnborough, London and Oxford, we work in partnership with our customers UK-wide to deliver high-impact engineering solutions. SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies. Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment. True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work®, having been certified 5 years running. Joining SII UK means being part of our collective goals, guided by our mission "Let's Tech Together," and helping to build a digital future that is sustainable, at the heart of an environment that values learning & collaboration.