Space Hardware Development Engineer

Space Hardware Development Engineer

Are you ready to build the future of in-space manufacturing?

Cosmic Maker is on a mission to revolutionise how we build in orbit. Born from Photocentric Ltd an award-winning leader in 3D printing technology, Cosmic Maker is now venturing beyond Earth to develop the world’s first autonomous LCD-based 3D printer for space. Backed by the European Space Agency and supported by the UK Space Agency’s LEO Accelerator, we’re poised to demonstrate real manufacturing capability in microgravity, starting with ceramics and plastics, and eventually, metals.

This journey has already been recognised through our selection to join the UK Space Agency’s LEO Accelerator, positioning Cosmic Maker at the forefront of the UK’s ambitions in orbital innovation. Our next milestone is to validate our flight hardware on a parabolic flight campaign and prepare for integration with the International Space Station.

We are now looking for a Space Hardware Development Engineer who is Mechanical focus to join our growing team in Peterborough. This is your opportunity to contribute to a ground-breaking programme that will help build the foundations of sustainable human presence in space.

Key Responsibilities for the Space Hardware Development Engineer will include:

• Lead the design and integration of the Cosmic Maker II flight-ready 3D printing system for microgravity operations.
• Conduct and oversee structural, thermal, and vibration analyses, ensuring hardware compliance with ESA/UKSA and flight provider standards.
• Define and shape the system’s mechanical architecture to achieve flight readiness.
• Collaborate with project partners to deliver certifiable, flight-qualified hardware.
• Work closely with materials scientists to adapt system design for advanced ceramic and photopolymer printing.
• Draft and review technical documentation including test procedures, hazard analyses, ICDs, and design reports.
• Contribute to design reviews, risk assessments, and flight readiness reviews, representing the mechanical discipline.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Play an active role in shaping Cosmic Maker’s roadmap to ISS integration and beyond, helping define the future of autonomous in-space manufacturing.

Required Education, Skills, and Qualifications of our Space Hardware Development Engineer:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Space Systems Engineering.
• Proven experience in mechanical design ideally in aerospace and space systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as Fusion 360 or SolidWorks and FEA tools for structural and thermal analysis.
• Familiarity with space qualification standards (ECSS, ESA, or equivalent).
• Strong analytical mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with industrial and agency stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Experience with microgravity platforms (parabolic flights, drop towers, ISS payloads).
• Background in Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing or advanced materials.
• Knowledge of automation and robotics in aerospace systems.

What we offer

• The chance to work on a European Space Agency funded flight project at the frontier of space manufacturing.
• Access to industry-leading 3D printing and prototyping equipment.
• Competitive salary tailored to experience.
• Enhanced pension contributions.
• Minimum of 24 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes with free on-site EV charging.
• Free use of our on-site gym.
• A supportive and social working environment within a talented and collaborative team.

If you’re excited by the idea of manufacturing in orbit and want to be part of a project that’s changing how things are made in space and become our Space Hardware Development Engineer, please click ‘apply’ now! We’d love to hear from you.