Job Title: Launch Site Electrician
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 a Launch Site Electrician, you will be responsible for the development, maintenance and safe operation of electrical systems across the spaceport and domestic site. This includes launch infrastructure, ground support systems, power distribution networks and safety-critical systems that support daily operations and future launch activities.
Working within a mission-critical environment, you will play a key role in ensuring electrical systems remain reliable, compliant and operationally ready. You will collaborate closely with engineering teams, launch providers and external contractors to support the continued development of the UK’s leading vertical launch spaceport.
Core responsibilities:
- Oversee the installation, testing and commissioning of electrical infrastructure across the spaceport and domestic site
- Maintain, inspect and troubleshoot electrical systems to ensure operational readiness and reliability
- Assist in the development and implementation of preventative maintenance schedules and procedures
- Provide rapid-response electrical 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 maintain power distribution networks and backup power systems
- Support integration of launch pad electrical interfaces with ground support systems
- Interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings and specifications
- Ensure compliance with relevant aerospace, industrial and electrical safety standards
- Conduct risk assessments and support hazard analysis activities
- Assist with safety audits, inspections and regulatory compliance activities
- Support grounding, lightning protection and surge protection systems
- Collaborate with mechanical, software and aerospace engineering teams
- Support the integration of telemetry, communications and control systems
- Interface with launch vehicle providers, contractors and suppliers
- Develop and execute test plans, system validation activities and fault investigations
- Document test results and recommend system improvements
- Support engineering projects from concept through to deployment
- Coordinate technical deliverables, timelines and supplier relationships
- Prepare technical reports, documentation and maintenance records
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong knowledge of power systems, control systems and electrical design principles
- Experience working with low-voltage electrical infrastructure in domestic and industrial environments
- Confident working with both single-phase and three-phase electrical systems
- Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems and automation technologies
- Ability to diagnose and resolve complex electrical faults in operational environments
- Strong understanding of electrical safety and safe working practices
- Excellent attention to detail and a safety-critical mindset
- Strong problem-solving and systems-thinking approach
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Clear written and verbal technical communication skills
- Experience coordinating with contractors, suppliers and external stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
- Ability to work flexibly, react quickly to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Understanding of aerospace or mission-critical systems (desirable)
Qualifications & Knowledge
- Qualification at SCQF Level 9 or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
- Proven experience in industrial, infrastructure, utilities, construction or aerospace environments
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of current electrical standards and regulations
- Experience carrying out both commercial and domestic electrical work
- ECS Gold Card holder
- Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership (desirable)
- Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure projects
- Experience working in dynamic and fast-paced operational environments
- Experience operating within highly regulated environments where safety is paramount
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 and Integrated Management Systems (IMS)
- Knowledge of Shetland logistics, remote operations or challenging supply chain environments (desirable)
Other Requirements
- Full, clean UK driving licence
- Willingness to undergo security vetting (BPSS and higher as required)
- Ability to work in a remote island environment and adapt to changing operational requirements
- Willingness to support occasional out-of-hours activities during launch campaigns and critical operations
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 vital role in maintaining and developing the electrical infrastructure that underpins safe and successful spaceport operations.
You’ll join a close-knit, highly skilled workforce where innovation, collaboration and safety are central to everything we do.
Benefits:
Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.
To apply please send CV and covering letter to HR@shetlandspacecentre.com
Closing Date: 10/07/2026
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.