Space Mission Design Engineer
The South African National Space Agency
2023-08-15 Pretoria
Job Ref #: SMDE001
Industry: Engineering
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a public entity under the National Department of Science and Innovation. SANSA has a mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities.
Job Description
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a public entity under the National Department of Science and Innovation.
SANSA has a mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities. To achieve this mandate, the Agency fosters research in space science and technology advances space engineering programmes and supports the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy. More information about the organization can be found at
To fulfil its mandate, SANSA Space Engineering Programme is responsible for the delivery of integrated product systems (system level 6). The following opportunity exists in the Space Engineering Programme.
The Space Mission Design Systems Engineer will drive the operationalization and maintenance of the Concurrent Design and Engineering Facility, with a focus on generating space mission feasibility and trade-off studies and systems optimization.
Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the Space Mission Design Engineer will ensure that rigorous analyses and studies are performed that will inform the development of space systems, through the development of requirements that will be approved by the Programme/Project Manager.
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications and experience:
MSc Eng./MEng. in Electronic/Mechanical/Aeronautical or Satellite Engineering fields. Minimum of 5 years of experience in Satellite/Space Systems Engineering or related Engineering experience in design and development environments involving complex engineering programmes in the Aeronautical/Space industry. Demonstratable experience in the use of software tools, specifically STK, Matlab, CATIA, or similar. Experience includes significant Satellite Systems, orbital mechanics and space mission technical knowledge, and experience in related/applicable: Space mission analysis and design. Space systems engineering. Development of technical budgets. STK and Matlab (or similar) analysis and modelling tools.
Job Requirements
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Contribute to the definition, development, and verification of satellite system and subsystem requirements, by modelling space mission systems and establishing technical budgets and margins. Lead the operationalization and maintenance of the Concurrent Design and Engineering facility. Perform trade-off and feasibility studies and mission analyses of space missions using STK software and related tools by generating orbital and mission analysis to determine technical budget estimations. Develop expanded capabilities and capacity in space mission design, by leading the procurement, implementation, maintenance, and training of additional modelling and simulation software. Generating lessons learned and contributing to knowledge management initiatives in the directorate.
Background verification, including criminal record, credit checks, security clearances, qualifications, and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, may form part of the selection process. By applying for these vacancies, the candidates consent that SANSA can collect, process, and share their Personal Information (PI) for verification, assessments, and employment purposes only.
SANSA subscribes to the principles of the Employment Equity Act. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of SANSA and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups (African males and females, Coloured females, and People with disabilities).
Should you meet the above requirements, please upload your detailed CV, and apply on Current Opportunities (mcidirecthire.com)
Communication will only be conducted with short-listed candidates. If applicants have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, regard your application as unsuccessful. SANSA reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Closing Date: 29 August 2023.
For queries, please contact Mr. Kgaugelo Ramone by email at or on 012 844 0497.
