Lead Payload Systems Engineer (Aerospace / HAPS)
Most aerospace companies build things that fly. We build things that float above the clouds - and stay there.
We operate high-altitude platform systems (HAPS) in the stratosphere at 18–21km - persistent, deployable, and capable of changing how the world connects and observes itself. Our customers include global telecoms, climate researchers, and civil and defense agencies. We move fast, fly real hardware, and operate at the edge of what's technically possible.
We're looking for a Lead Payload Systems Engineer to own the full payload lifecycle across our programmes - from interface definition and integration through flight readiness and mission delivery.
What makes this role unusual:
- You'll work across EO, telecom, hyperspectral, LiDAR, and radar payloads - not just one sensor type
- Your work flies. Real platforms, real missions, real impact
- You'll be the technical authority - not a cog in a large prime contractor hierarchy
- Sceye is small enough that your decisions matter and large enough that the resources are real
What you'll own:
- End-to-end payload integration: mechanical, electrical, thermal, RF, and data interfaces
- IV&V planning and execution across lab, ground, and flight environments
- Vendor management, ICD ownership, and design review leadership (PDR, CDR, TRR)
- Payload documentation, configuration management, and flight readiness sign-off
What we're looking for:
- 10+ years in payload systems, integration, or operations on flight hardware
- Deep familiarity with EO/IR sensors, comms payloads, or multi-sensor systems
- Systems engineering fundamentals: requirements, verification, configuration management
- Experience with CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA) and systems modelling tools
- Strong communicator who can lead across disciplines and manage external vendors
