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Helsing is a defence AI company focused on protecting democracies through technological leadership. This Systems Engineer role combines mission-critical analysis with production-grade software development for a European satellite constellation programme.
You will own the full lifecycle of mission and spacecraft design problems—from analysis through to flight. Your responsibilities span mission analysis (orbit selection, coverage, launch planning), requirements flowdown, system budgets (mass, power, link), and interface management across segments. You'll build and maintain analysis tooling to production standards that the broader team depends on, act as the technical expert for satellite system design including subsystems, and drive trade studies across subsystems and segments, presenting results to internal teams, partners, and customers.
The role requires a master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, physics, or related field, with hands-on experience on at least one flown or near-flight space programme. You need fluency in orbit mechanics and mission analysis tools (GMAT, FreeFlyer, STK, Orekit) and the ability to work from first principles. Strong spacecraft systems engineering knowledge across requirements, budgets, interfaces, and verification is essential. You should have recognized depth in at least one subsystem (AOCS/GNC, propulsion, power, thermal, or TT&C/RF).
Software expertise is equally important: several years of production-grade work in large shared codebases with code review, CI/CD, testing, and documentation. Proficiency in Python plus Rust or modern C++ required. Strong mathematics and physics fundamentals (linear algebra, numerical methods, error budgets) are expected. Nice-to-have skills include optimization background (convex and mixed-integer programming).
Helsing emphasizes an open, transparent culture welcoming healthy debate on technology ethics in defence. The company actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups in aerospace.
