Deputy Head of Systems

Orbex is looking for a Deputy Head of Systems to act as the responsible systems engineer for a full stage of the Orbex Prime Launch Vehicle and take an active role in leading our systems team. You will have 3 direct line reports, each of them experienced team leads.

Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Space Hub Sutherland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €122m/£103m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris on orbit.

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark.

Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

The Position

We are looking an experienced deputy department head who can act as systems authority for a complete stage of Orbex Prime, this is a complex, multidisciplinary endeavour that will see you act as the responsible Systems engineer across propulsion, structure, avionics and integrated stage testing.

To succeed in this role you will have had significant experience as a system authority for a highly complex and multidisciplinary product, such as for spacecraft, launch vehicles, defence or aviation. It is expected that you will have experience as a systems engineer for a range of technical disciplines, of particular relevance to this role would be experience of mechanical systems, Flight Structures, avionics, complex electronics and propulsion systems.

Additionally to your technical responsibilities, you will take an active role in the leadership of the systems team collaborating with the Head of Department to set and implement strategic goals.

• Providing insights and suggestions for departmental growth and development.
• Overseeing day-to-day operations and managing projects in the absence of the head of department.

The exact role will be tailored to the successful applicant but the types of responsibilities to be addressed include:

Techncial Responsibilities

(Re)defining and maintaining the system baseline

• Responsible for schedule and deliverables of:
• RAMSS & Licensing
• System and Mission Analysis
• Systems Engineering Group
• Responsible engineer for a stage of Orbex Prime across propulsion, structures, avionics, etc.
• Planning and overseeing stage level tests (objectives, DUT definition, test spec etc)
• Organisation and contribution to design reviews across a range of departments.

Management Responsibilities

• Collaborating with the Head of Department to set and implement strategic goals.
• In this role you will have 3 direct reports, each of them a group lead.
• Providing insights and suggestions for departmental growth and development.
• Overseeing day-to-day operations and managing projects in the absence of the Head of Department.
• Facilitating communication within the department and across other departments.
• Working on maintaining relationships with stakeholders and clients.
• Ensuring the smooth functioning of the department.
• Supporting and guiding teams within the department, assisting in managing performance and productivity.
• Acting as a liaison between the Head of Department and the teams, facilitating communication and addressing concerns.
• Contributing to maintaining quality standards and compliance, working in alignment with the Head of Department's vision.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging research and development efforts within the department.
• Represent the department in high-level meetings, contributing to company-wide strategies and decisions.
• Evaluate and negotiate partnerships, collaborations, or acquisitions that align with the department's objectives

Personality

• Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.
• It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non-technical team members.
• You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.

Location – Forres

Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security. This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters.

Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches, and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world-famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.

If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.

Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking, and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland.

If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.

Security

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check.

Benefits – UK

• Salary of £75-95K depending on experience
• Share Options in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful
• 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays
• NEST workplace pension
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme, including: mortgage advice, health and wellbeing apps.
• Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary.
• Independent supporting services including: mortgage advice and health and wellbeing apps
• Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support through the visa application process.