Systems Engineer - Space

A master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, with hands-on work on at least one flown or near-flight space programme.

Fluency in orbit mechanics and mission analysis, with tools such as GMAT, FreeFlyer, STK, or Orekit. You can work from first principles where no tool exists.

A working grasp of spacecraft systems engineering across requirements, budgets, interfaces, and verification.

Recognised depth in at least one subsystem, for example AOCS and GNC, propulsion, power, thermal, or TT&C and RF.

Several years of production-grade software work in a large, shared codebase, with code review, continuous integration, testing, and documentation. Python, plus at least one of Rust or modern C++.

Strong mathematics and physics, for example linear algebra, numerical methods, and error budgets.

Note: We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically under-represented. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points.

Optimisation background: convex and mixed-integer methods, evolutionary or heuristic approaches, or trajectory and scheduling optimisation.

Model-based systems engineering, for example SysML or Capella, or digital twin experience.

Machine learning applied to engineering problems, for example surrogate models for costly simulations.

Earth observation, SAR, or ISR mission experience.

Familiarity with ECSS standards and requirements management tooling.

Helsing’s work is important. You’ll be directly contributing to the protection of democratic countries while balancing both ethical and geopolitical concerns

The work is unique. We operate in a domain that has highly unusual technical requirements and constraints, and where robustness, safety, and ethical considerations are vital. You will face unique Engineering and AI challenges that make a meaningful impact in the world

Our work frequently takes us right up to the state of the art in technical innovation, be it reinforcement learning, distributed systems, generative AI, or deployment infrastructure. The defence industry is entering the most exciting phase of the technological development curve. Advances in our field of world are not incremental: Helsing is part of, and often leading, historic leaps forward

In our domain, success is a matter of order-of-magnitude improvements and novel capabilities. This means we take bets, aim high, and focus on big opportunities. Despite being a relatively young company, Helsing has already been selected for multiple significant government contracts

We actively encourage healthy, proactive, and diverse debate internally about what we do and how we choose to do it. Teams and individual engineers are trusted (and encouraged) to practise responsible autonomy and critical thinking, and to focus on outcomes, not conformity. At Helsing you will have a say in how we (and you!) work, the opportunity to engage on what does and doesn’t work, and to take ownership of aspects of our culture that you care deeply about

Competitive salary and VSOP options

Relocation support: up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation

Learning: €500/£450 yearly allowance

Health & wellness: gym membership and mental health support (Nilo.health)

Social: regularly company events and monthly social allowances

Enhanced parental leave: 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers & 6 weeks for secondary caregivers.

Family support: 5 days of paid family emergency leave, 100% remote work option during pregnancy and phased return to work

These are the core benefits across all locations, there may be additional benefits in certain locations.

Helsing is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. Please do not submit personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning your health, or data concerning your sexual orientation.