Head of Engineering

About

GTS Space is working with a company who are reshaping how satellite missions are delivered through shared payload hosting, allowing organisations to fly sensors and experiments without having to develop a satellite or space segment of their own. The technology combines proprietary hardware with cloud-inspired software to create a true plug-and-play effect, and the business is moving quickly from R&D into industrialisation and in-orbit operations.

They are now hiring a Head of Engineering to take ownership of the entire technical function across hardware, embedded software and production. This is a senior leadership hire reporting closely to the CTO, with scope to grow into a VP Engineering remit as the company scales. The successful person will be the internal technical authority, the bridge between R&D and industrialisation, and the cultural driving force behind a multidisciplinary team.

The Role

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary engineering team spanning hardware, electronics, embedded software and mechanics, holding a high bar while keeping the team cohesive and motivated
• Act as the technical reference for the group, arbitrating decisions on architecture, materials, components and processes
• Drive the scale-up of production and industrialisation capability as the company moves from prototype to recurring delivery
• Maintain rigour across specification, design and AIV activities
• Own the engineering product roadmap alongside the CTO
• Structure product line management with an end-to-end system view
• Lead HR reviews, performance conversations and technical recruitment within the engineering team
• Unblock critical technical issues to keep execution speed and delivery momentum

What we are looking for

• 5+ years of experience in space or avionics engineering, with meaningful exposure to industrialisation and production phases including AIT and the production chain
• Proven experience managing a technical team in space or aerospace
• Solid command of both hardware disciplines (electronics, mechanics, cabling, prototyping, qualification) and embedded software
• Product line management experience at a prime or a NewSpace operator is a strong plus
• Fluent English, basic French is a bonus

On the softer side, this hire needs to bring genuine leadership presence and pragmatism. The culture here is deliberately blame-free, the team are focused on solving problems rather than pointing fingers, and the right person will bring structure without adding bureaucracy. Strong communication in an international environment is essential.

The Opportunity

You will work across multiple missions and projects in parallel, each at a different stage of maturity, from R&D through to in-orbit operations, often on very short timelines from paper to orbit. You will sit at the heart of the European space ecosystem, working with payload and platform manufacturers, operators and institutions, and contribute directly to shaping the company's growth.

To apply or for a confidential conversation, please get in touch with Adam McKenna at GTS Space.