About the job

Orbex, a leading micro-launch company based in Forres, Moray, United Kingdom, is hiring a Deputy Head of Systems to serve as the responsible systems engineer for a full stage of the Orbex Prime Launch Vehicle while also playing a key leadership role within the Systems team. This full-time position offers a salary range of £75,000–£95,000 and requires on-site work at the company’s headquarters due to the nature of the role, export controls, and security requirements. The Deputy Head of Systems will be responsible for overseeing propulsion, structure, avionics, and integrated stage testing, acting as Systems Authority for a complex and multidisciplinary product. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in system engineering across various technical disciplines such as mechanical systems, flight structures, avionics, electronics, and propulsion, ideally within spacecraft, launch vehicles, defense, or aviation sectors. This role includes managing three direct reports, setting and implementing departmental strategies with the Head of Systems, leading projects, managing system and mission analysis, planning stage-level tests, facilitating cross-functional communication, and contributing to high-level decision-making and innovation. Orbex offers a fast-paced startup culture that promotes initiative, open communication, and collaboration across diverse international teams. The company is actively developing eco-friendly technologies and reusable rocket systems and has secured over £133 million in project financing with backing from UKSA and ESA. Employees benefit from 34 days of paid holiday, a NEST workplace pension, group life insurance, a Cycle to Work scheme, employee assistance programs, and full visa sponsorship and relocation support for candidates and their families—including one month of paid local accommodation and relocation allowance. Candidates must be UK or European citizens or from MTCR signatory countries and may be subject to BPSS security checks.