Confidential
VP R&D (Satellite Communications & Space Technology) Guildford, UK
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Location: Guildford, UK (Hybrid)
Please Note: This role is based in Guildford, UK, with a hybrid working model. Applications are welcome from candidates who are willing to relocate, with relocation support available.
About the company Our client is an innovative deep-tech company in the space technology sector, specialising in advanced computing and communication systems for satellites. Its software-driven, AI-enabled solutions support mission-critical space applications and are already deployed in active use across the globe, including collaborations with leading international space agencies and commercial operators. With an established market presence and expanding international footprint, the company offers the opportunity to join a scaling environment where engineering leadership has direct influence on technology direction, execution quality, and long-term product impact.
About the Role In this role you will lead the UK R&D multidisciplinary engineering function developing advanced satellite communication and embedded space systems. You will report directly to the global SVP R&D in the HQ and play a key role in shaping technical strategy, execution, and delivery across multiple engineering disciplines. The ideal candidate is a senior engineering leader with experience managing complex, multidisciplinary R&D teams within satellite communications, space systems, or aerospace technology.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a multidisciplinary R&D organization covering Hardware, Software, RF, Systems, DSP, and Mechanical engineering teams
- Own the full product development lifecycle from system definition through design, integration, testing, and production
- Define and execute engineering strategy, architecture direction, and technical roadmaps across satellite communication systems
- Oversee development of digital telecom payloads and embedded systems for space applications
- Ensure alignment and integration across all engineering disciplines and adjacent business functions
- Drive innovation in satellite communications, embedded systems, and space-resilient computing technologies
- Establish and enforce engineering best practices, development processes, and technical standards
- Manage engineering resources, delivery timelines, technical risks, and program execution quality
- Mentor and develop senior engineering leads and technical managers within the organization
- Foster a high-performance, accountable, and collaborative engineering culture
- Interface with internal stakeholders and global teams to ensure alignment on technical and program objectives
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in engineering leadership roles within R&D environments (Director / VP / Chief Engineer level preferred)
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams (25+ people), including direct management of senior engineering leads
- Strong background as a hands-on engineer who progressed into senior technical leadership roles
- Experience in embedded systems development, ideally in satellite communications, aerospace, telecom, or deep-tech industries
- Experience designing or developing digital telecom payloads or communication systems (satellite or equivalent high-reliability systems)
- Strong understanding of system architecture for complex hardware/software integrated systems
- Experience with embedded systems, RTOS environments, FPGA-based systems, or software-defined radio platforms (advantageous)
- Strong knowledge of RF systems, antenna systems, and/or signal processing (advantageous)
- Demonstrated ability to lead system-level design decisions across multiple engineering domains
- Strong problem-solving ability in complex, high-reliability engineering environments
- Experience working with space or aerospace industry standards and development practices (advantageous, especially ESA-led programs)
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to align technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Willingness to travel internationally as required for business needs.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What the company offers The company offers the opportunity to join a rapidly scaling space technology organization operating at the forefront of satellite communications and space computing systems. This role provides the opportunity to lead and shape the future of the UK engineering hub, define technical direction, and work alongside highly experienced engineering leaders from leading deep-tech, aerospace, and technology organizations. The company offers an attractive compensation package, including share options, hybrid working arrangements, and relocation support for eligible candidates.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location