Systems Engineer – Payload Functional Validation

Expleo is a trusted partner for end-to-end, integrated engineering, quality services and management consulting for digital transformation.  We help businesses harness unrelenting technological change to successfully deliver innovations that will help them gain a competitive advantage and improve the everyday lives of people around the globe.

As part of our continued support to our customer in the space sector we are looking for a Systems Engineer.  The role will be based at our customer’s facilities in Portsmouth that will include work outside of normal hours.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to develop and grow their skills and knowledge within a thriving organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing automated test procedures for satellite payload systems, validating CCSDS-based communications, and performing integration testing on satellite simulators and hardware test benches. The role includes test specification development, configuration management, anomaly investigation, traceability reporting, and the creation of automation tools to support efficient verification and validation activities. Working in collaboration with the client, across various Satellite based programmes and technologies, for the delivery of the Space Onboard Functional Validation programme.

This is an area of significant growth within Expleo, an area where we are looking at growing our team demonstrating our commitment to continue to grow our space business.  Engineers with energy and drive with broad expertise are ideal, however of particular interest would be candidates with space, aerospace, payload, high tech manufacturing or telecommunications experience.

This role represents a great opportunity to work on cutting edge satellite programmes.  Valued attributes are a team player who can use their initiative and has a real passion for engineering with an attention to detail, combined with a thorough, methodical approach to problem solving.

• →System Engineering activities.
• →Functional Validation execution.
• →Work with the FV Architect and FV Tech Lead to break down tests into manageable parts and communicate regularly to ensure efficient implementation.
• →Create the Automated Procedure (AP)’s (java test script) for the execution of tests on a Satellite simulators (SatSims) and hardware test benches with hardware in the loop.
• →Preparation of configuration files and link script execution to these last ones.
• →Preparation of step-by-step procedures to run java scripts.
• →Execution of procedures on the Engineering hardware model test bench.
• →Creation of short and clear test execution reports to share with different teams.
• →Anomaly management: Report all observations to the tech lead and architect using the process in place (Jira).
• →Investigate any observations raised during the testing on Satsims and hardware.
• →Report any differences in testing between the Satsims and Hardware to ensure that the Satsims are representative in future.
• →Upload test sessions to internal ADS tool and ensure test traceability.
• →Preparation of offline processing tools to automatise manual operations (in different languages java, python etc).
• →Maintaining the OneSat Payload FV Schedule.
• →Validation, Verification and Qualification.
• →System Test Requirement Management.

• Demonstrable industry related experience / Degree qualified – Engineering or Science related subject

• Systems Engineering.
• Test Engineering.
• Requirements analysis.
• Knowledge of CCSDS standards of ground to space communications layers (TC/TM PUS packet, TM frames, TC segment, CLTUs, CLCW etc).
• Hardware SW integration.
• Configuration & SDLC (git, Jira, DOORS)
• Good knowledge of Linux OS and GIT/SVN.
• Telecommunications.
• Software and Hardware Validation.
• Java.
• Python.
• Safety Critical Software testing.                                                   
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.  
• Ability to provide inputs to project Management.
• MS Office Suite.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Analytical mindset with the ability to make sound decisions in complex environments.
• Confident in performing base operations with equipment like DC power supplies, RF signal generators and spectrum analysers.

• Extensive and proven experience in Systems Engineering roles,  preferably within the space or aerospace industry
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues and propose innovative solutions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Experience with project management practices and tools, including schedule management, risk analysis, and resource allocation
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations, such as CCSDS Standards is essential

• Ability and willingness to work outside of normal hours twice a week between 06:00 – 14:00 or 14:00 - 22:00.
• Ability and willingness to travel to and work on the client’s Portsmouth site 5 days per week.