As the Head of System Modelling and Mission Analysis (SMMA) you will lead our SMMA department, focused on the design, analysis and performance assessment of our Prime and Proxima launch vehicles.
This role is instrumental in driving end-to-end system simulation and mission-level analysis across our satellite, launch vehicle, and interplanetary mission portfolios. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of systems engineers, simulation architects, and mission analysts to develop models, perform trade studies, and deliver insights that shape the future of space exploration and operations.
Orbex
Orbex is a leading orbital launch services company with our Prime and Proxima launch vehicles being developed to launch payloads on behalf of commercial customers. Orbex Prime is our microlauncher designed to support the small satellite industry and offering launches direct from Scotland. Orbex Proxima, our new medium-sized launch vehicle, will offer customers the chance to launch bigger payloads to a wider range of orbital locations.
We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €149m/£129m 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 team members located between our design, manufacturing and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and choosing to launch using bio-propane will mean that a single launch of Prime will have a carbon footprint that is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles using fossil fuels, this has driven innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art patented re-flight system means we can recover our Stage 1 and refurbish and reuse components, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in orbit.
Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex propulsion system components, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and we also have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark.
In July 2025, ESA announced that Orbex had been pre-selected as a candidate in the first stage of the European Launcher Challenge. Orbex is one of only five candidates chosen by ESA and the only UK company that has reached this stage.
The Position Responsibilities
As the Head of System Modelling and Mission Analysis, you will provide technical and line leadership to the team responsible for modelling and analysing complex systems and missions.
You Will
- Oversee the development of integrated physics-based and functional models for launch systems, and ground support equipment (GSE), ensuring accurate modelling of launch vehicle subsystems (e.g., propulsion, fluids, thermal, aerodynamics) and their interactions.
- Lead mission analysis activities, including trajectory design, orbital mechanics, mission timelines, and operational constraints including accountability for Flight Safety Analysis and Develop tools to support analysis of extended mission CONOPS, e.g. constellation deployment, inter-planetary missions etc
- Apply System Models and Mission Analysis to support trade studies to support spacecraft architecture selection, subsystem design, and optimization of mission parameters (delta-v, payload mass, coverage, etc.). Inform design decisions with quantitative evidence and sensitivity analyses even when not all of the inputs are fully defined.
- Establish and maintain advanced modelling toolchains (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, GMAT, STK, FreeFlyer, ModelCenter, SysML tools). Develop and enforce modelling standards, V&V processes, documentation practices, and configuration control for analysis tools and models.
Key Stakeholders
Interface with internal stakeholders (systems integration, GNC, propulsion, structures, avionics and mission operations) to ensure alignment of assumptions, models, and outputs..
Interface with external stakeholders to support Flight Safety Analysis, Work with customers, and mission partners.
Required Experience
- Significant experience and track record in space systems engineering, space mission analysis, or aerospace simulation, with proven experience in a technical leadership or management role.
- Expert in trajectory optimization, orbital mechanics, or mission planning.
- Proven track record in model development, MBSE, and mission-level simulation for platforms such as Launch vehicles, propulsion systems satellites and other Space systems.
Preferred Experience
- Master’s or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field.
- Deep understanding of space system design, spacecraft subsystems, and space mission lifecycle from concept to operations.
- Extensive knowledge of natural environment considerations (e.g., wind, radiation, thermal, etc).
- Prior involvement in government space programs (e.g., ESA, NASA) or commercial new-space initiatives.
Key Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership, mentorship, and organizational development capabilities.
- Technical expertise in space system modelling and end-to-end mission analysis.
- Proficient in tools such as STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, MATLAB, Simulink, ModelCenter, SysML/Cameo, etc.
- Excellent understanding of trade space analysis, systems integration, and performance optimization.
- Demonstrable ability to make decisions and drive development in environments where there is high residual uncertainty
- Understand the limitations of modelling and simulation and how to use them to drive technical decision making (without endless analysis)
- Clear and confident communicator, with the ability to tailor technical content to different audiences.
- Familiarity with digital engineering environments, Agile or hybrid workflows, and R&D environments.
Applying with Orbex
The core of Orbex' values is based on courage, teamwork, communication and always doing the right thing. We are an international, diverse and multicultural group that believes in unlocking space for future of humanity. You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.
If you are feeling excited about our mission and this role we would like to encourage you to apply with us, even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed in the job description.
Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.
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 the Highlands.
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
- 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays
- NEST workplace pension
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme, including: mortgage advice, health and wellbeing apps.
- Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary.
- 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.
