Job Title: Electrical Engineer
Location: SaxaVord Spaceport, Unst, Shetland
Salary: Up to £50,000 dependent on experience.
Who we are:
SaxaVord Spaceport is the UK’s first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport, located on the island of Unst in Shetland — the most northerly inhabited island in the UK. We provide launch facilities, ground station services and operational infrastructure to support small satellite missions into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Join us on our journey to deliver launch capability to the UK.
Role description: As an Electrical Engineer, you will be responsible for the development, maintenance and safe operation of electrical systems across the spaceport and associated infrastructure. This includes launch infrastructure, ground support systems, power distribution networks and safety-critical systems. You will play a key role in ensuring high system reliability, operational readiness and compliance within a mission-critical environment. This role does not include involvement in launch vehicles or launch systems.
Core responsibilities:
- Oversee installation, testing and commissioning of electrical infrastructure across the spaceport
- Maintain and troubleshoot electrical systems to ensure operational readiness
- Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules and procedures
- Provide rapid-response support during launch operations and other critical activities
- Support the design and implementation of electrical systems for launch pads,control centres and support facilities
- Develop and manage power distribution systems, including high-voltage and backup systems
- Produce electrical schematics, technical drawings and specifications
- Ensure compliance with relevant electrical, safety and aerospace standards
- Conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses (e.g. high voltage, explosive environments)
- Implement grounding, lightning protection and surge protection systems
- Collaborate with mechanical, software and aerospace engineers on integrated systems
- Support integration of telemetry, communications and control systems
- Interface with launch providers, contractors and external stakeholders
- Develop and execute test plans, including fault analysis and system validation
- Prepare technical documentation, reports and engineering deliverables
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong knowledge of electrical design, power systems and control systems
- Experience with high-voltage and industrial electrical infrastructure, including three-phase systems
- Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems and automation
- Ability to diagnose complex electrical faults in time-critical environments
- Understanding of electrical challenges in harsh or remote environments
- Proficiency in electrical design software (e.g. AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN or similar)
- Strong systems-thinking approach with a focus on reliability and safety
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
- Clear and concise technical communication skills
Qualifications & Knowledge
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline (SCQF Level 9 or equivalent)
- Proven experience in industrial, infrastructure, aerospace or similar environments
- Strong understanding of electrical standards and compliance requirements
- Experience working in regulated, safety-critical environments
- ECS Gold Card (desirable but advantageous)
- Chartered Engineer status, or working towards (desirable)
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 and integrated management systems (desirable)
- Experience with large-scale infrastructure or launch-related systems (desirable)
Other Requirements
- Full, clean driving licence.
- Willingness to undergo security vetting (BPSS and higher as required).
- Local knowledge of Shetland logistics or experience operating in remote or challenging locations (desirable).
Why SaxaVord Spaceport?
SaxaVord is at the forefront of the UK’s emerging space launch sector, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to nationally significant projects in a truly distinctive environment. As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in developing and maintaining mission critical systems that support safe and successful space operations. You’ll join a close knit, highly skilled workforce where innovation, collaboration and safety are central to everything we do.
Closing Date:
Friday 8th May 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to HR@shetlandspacecentre.com