Space Design Engineer
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£52,400
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2126 (80% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £52,400, and Photocentric is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2122 (Mechanical engineers, Strong mechanical/machine design focus in R&D manufacturing environment) or SOC 2127 (Engineering project managers and project engineers, Manages project end-to-end including timelines, budgets, technical risk). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
About the role
About CosmicMaker
CosmicMaker Ltd is a subsidiary of Photocentric Ltd based in Cambridgeshire. Photocentric is one of the world’s leading innovators in 3D printing. CosmicMaker’s mission is to own the field of manufacturing beyond the surface of the Earth, on the Moon, on space stations, and ultimately on Mars.
CosmicMaker has patented technology to manufacture a range of materials using an enclosed chamber and a centrifuge in microgravity, uniquely positioning it to capitalise on the imminent growth in investment on the lunar surface.
The Role
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Space Design Engineer to lead the design and construction of the third CosmicMaker printer CM III, which we aim to launch into space and return to Earth to validate its performance. Subsequent development will include CM IV, which will complete the full process of manufacturing plastics, ceramics and metals on the lunar surface.
As the key Design Engineer you will lead a project from its earliest stages, working in a hands-on, creative and self-directed way, while drawing on the support and resources of a wider engineering team. You will be at the beginning of a company shaping the future of commercial exploitation and human life on other planets.
Key Responsibilities for our Space Design Engineer
- Lead the design, build and testing of CM III, from concept through to launch-ready hardware
- Manage the project end-to-end, including timelines, budgets and technical risk
- Contribute to the design of CM IV and the roadmap for lunar-surface manufacturing, identifying new technologies and market trends along the way
- Work closely with Photocentric’s wider engineering team and cross-disciplinary teams and external partners such as launch providers
- Troubleshoot and solve novel engineering problems specific to microgravity manufacturing
- Develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems, with a strong focus on functionality, manufacturability, and reliability
Required Education, Skills, and Qualifications of our Space Design Engineer:
- Proven project management experience, ideally leading hardware projects from concept to delivery
- Proven product development and machine design, particularly in an R&D manufacturing environment
- Strong hands-on problem-solving skills, comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy
- A genuine passion for space exploration and the opportunities of lunar and off-world manufacturing
- Experience in designing automated machinery or electromechanical systems (control systems, sensors, actuators, conveyors) would be useful but not essential
- Experience designing hardware for spaceflight or other harsh environments (launch loads, vibration, vacuum, thermal cycling) is highly desirable
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
- A genuine enthusiasm for engineering innovation and 3D printing technology
Why Join CosmicMaker at Photocentric?
- Access to state-of-the-art 3D printing and prototyping tools
- A competitive salary based on your skills and experience
- Enhanced pension contributions
- A minimum of 24 days holiday + bank holidays
- Free EV charging, electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes
- Free on-site gym
- A collaborative, supportive, and sociable working culture
- The chance to grow your career in a world-leading, award-winning tech company
If you’re excited by manufacturing in orbit and want to help change how things are made in space, click ‘apply’ now — we’d love to heer from you!
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Photocentric, so check their own site for the current details.
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at PhotocentricAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Photocentric holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2126 going rate of £52,400. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.