Spacecraft Systems Lead Engineer

Freezz is a dynamic, young high-tech space company operating across three core European locations (Switzerland, Italy, Spain). We’re strongly committed to delivery and rapid growth in the commercial satellite and space connectivity sector. We’re developing next-generation solutions in two core markets: Direct-to-Device (D2D) Connectivity and Friilink. We combine aerospace expertise with startup speed and deliver-first discipline. FRIISAT is Freezz’s flagship constellation programme—a large-scale Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) constellation delivering D2D connectivity across Europe and globally. The programme encompasses a Spacecraft Platform, Ground Infrastructure, and Payload & Services. The FRIISAT programme is co-funded by ESA’s IRIS² initiative and represents a critical step toward European strategic autonomy in satellite communications. You’ll drive spacecraft system engineering across the full lifecycle: from architecture definition through manufacturing, integration, verification, testing and launch preparation.

What You Will Do

• Spacecraft system engineering, system analyses and architecture definition.
• Requirements management, Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and system budgets.
• Cross-platform interface control: platform, payload, and external systems.
• Mission and orbital analysis translation into spacecraft design requirements.
• Mass, power, data, RF, thermal and other system budgets.
• Thermal and structural design assessment; launch loads and environmental constraints.
• Engineering trade-offs, system performance assessments and design optimisation.
• COTS component selection, screening, testing and adaptation for space qualification.
• Radiation, thermal-vacuum, vibration and EMC constraint management.
• Design-to-cost, design-for-manufacturing and design-for-test principles.
• Early prototyping, iterative testing and rapid hardware improvements.
• Supplier coordination, technical documentation and design reviews.
• Direct participation in Assembly, Integration, Verification and Test (AIT/AIV).

What We Are Looking For

• 3–6 years in satellite/spacecraft development (platform and payload experience valued).
• Strong grasp of spacecraft system engineering: requirements, ICDs, budgets, trade-offs.
• Solid understanding of mission analysis and orbital mechanics.
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft thermal and mechanical design at system level.
• Experience in hardware development, integration, verification and testing.
• Full lifecycle spacecraft development knowledge from early design through manufacturing, AIT/AIV and launch.
• Comfortable working across multiple engineering disciplines and with manufacturing teams.
• Strong technical problem-solving and a hands-on, product-oriented mindset.
• Professional working proficiency in English.
• Degree in Aerospace, Electronics, Telecommunications, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• You combine strong spacecraft-level engineering capability with a hands-on approach. You’re equally comfortable working with requirements, ICDs and system budgets as you are discussing subsystem design with specialists or working directly with hardware, suppliers and test teams. You think in terms of production scalability, cost and schedule—not just performance. You want to move fast and build something real.

Valuable Additional Experience

• New Space or commercial satellite background, COTS adaptation and space qualification experience.
• Mission analysis tools, spacecraft thermal or structural analysis, design-for-manufacturing.
• Rapid prototyping, design-to-cost experience, small-series or serial production.
• Telecommunications/RF payload knowledge, or launch campaign experience.

Why Join Us & Hiring Details

• Ship real hardware quarterly, not every three years.
• Influence mission architecture from day one—no committee overhead.
• Work with a lean, focused engineering team.
• Based in Tuscany with hybrid flexibility.
• Part of a European New Space success story backed by ESA and EU programmes.
• Hiring Timeline: We’re hiring now with a fast-track process. Target decision turnaround: 2–3 weeks from application to offer (subject to interview scheduling). We offer flexibility on work location during onboarding: Hybrid or remote start with transition to hybrid/regional HQ. Relocation support is available. After onboarding, hybrid work is standard.
• Compensation: Competitive salary in the high range for the region, commensurate with experience and proven track record. Benefits include flexible working arrangement, professional development support, and equity participation in Freezz’s growth. Stock options plan details are currently being finalized and will be shared during the offer stage.

How to Apply

• Please fill up the application form on this page.
• Where relevant, candidates are encouraged to include examples of technical projects, publications, portfolios, Git repositories, or descriptions of systems they have helped design.
• Freezz welcomes applicants from different backgrounds. Selection decisions are based on professional qualifications, experience, and the requirements of the position.
• We review applications on a rolling basis and respond within 5 business days. We’re actively hiring and moving fast. If you’re a strong fit, expect to hear from us quickly.