Job Specifications
SatVu is a rapidly expanding space technology company, backed by leading investors like Adara Ventures and Lockheed Martin. As the 'World's Thermometer,' we deliver high-accuracy thermal datasets from space, providing invaluable insights across sectors. Our cutting-edge technology fuels significant growth in climate, sustainability, and defence & intelligence/national security markets, with HotSat-1 launched in 2023 and HotSat-2 and HotSat-3 planned for 2026.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, high-growth organisation at a pivotal moment in its development.
The Role
SatVu is seeking an experienced Electronics Engineer (Imager Electronics) to lead the delivery of the HotSat-4 imager electronics while embedded on-site with our satellite manufacturer, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford. You will be required to be on-site five days a week for the duration of the payload build.
In this hands-on role, you will be embedded within SSTL's Optical Imaging Lead and the Imager Electronics team to drive electronics delivery, including analogue/digital hardware enhancements, and test/verification activities through manufacture, AIV and delivery. After the build phase, you will transition into SatVu's technical team to consolidate design knowledge and help shape future payload electronics strategy as we grow our constellation. While receiving day-to-day technical direction from SSTL's Optical/Imager Electronics lead on-site, your overall line management will report to SatVu's Programmes Director.
This position offers an opportunity for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic and rapidly growing company.
Key Responsibilities:
Design digital and analogue electronics for optical payload subsystems; produce schematics and board‑level designs suitable for manufacture and test
Perform circuit simulation, FPGA (VHDL) interfacing, scripting for test automation (Python/TCL), and lab test/validation
Develop Electronics Ground Support Equipment and support AIV activities
Debug hardware, author assembly/test procedures, technical descriptions and verification reports
Ensure traceability of electronic design data for IP transfer; prepare technical due diligence artefacts
Coordinate with SSTL system engineers on system/subsystem trade‑offs, budgets and schedules
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
Degree (or equivalent) in Electronics/Electrical Engineering and proven space electronics experience
Experience in mixed signal design
Proficiency in circuit-level debugging and testing
Knowledge of scripting languages like Python, TCL, or similar
Understanding of FPGA design in VHDL
Experience with lab test equipment
Familiarity with Mentor/PCB toolset and low‑volume, high‑reliability manufacture preferred
Strong documentation, planning and cross‑discipline communication skills; ability to work autonomously and under schedule pressure
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to be able to work with all levels within our company, our technology partners and customers.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
You don't need to tick every box to apply—we value curiosity, learning, and the ability to add impact. These are some of the ways you may bring value:
Ability to influence, persuade, and negotiate at all levels
Highly organised, self-motivated, and proactive
Strong team player with the ability to interface with others at all levels
Good presentation and customer-facing skills
Results-oriented with a strong drive to deliver
Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
Excellent planning and organising skills
Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
Able to work autonomously and take initiative
Strong decision-making and creative problem-solving skills
Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and tight timescales
A passion for technology and a desire to make a significant impact
Why Join SatVu
The opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK's most ambitious space start-ups - developing a completely new and cutting-edge technology, for a large and accessible market
Work in a dynamic, collaborative and high-growth environment.
Collaborate with and learn from a team of experienced and talented individuals
Make a significant impact on urgent global themes—defence and climate tech
Interview Process
Initial phone screen: a 30-minute video call to learn more about you, provide details about the role, and discuss what you are looking for
First stage interview: Video call intro with SatVu's Programmes Director to discuss the role in more detail, as well as your experience. The call will last approx. 30 minutes
Technical Assessment: Interview with the with SatVu's Programmes Director and SSTL's Head of Optical Payload (approx. 60 minutes). This stage may be conducted either in-person at SSTL HQ in Guildford or via a remote video call, based on location and availability
HR Screening: Call with our People Director to discuss requir
About the Company
SatVu captures the highest resolution thermal data from space for a safer and more sustainable Earth.
The images and short video captured by our satellites show heat variations across the surface of the Earth at a resolution of up to 3.5 m, both during the day and at night.
Thermal data at this unparalleled resolution has wide applications, from economic monitoring and national security to climate resilience including urban heat monitoring.
The company’s first satellite HotSat-1 launched in June 2023. Two more satellites...
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