Space Systems Engineer

HEO is the world's first commercial non-Earth imaging (NEI) and insights services company. NEI involves capturing resolved imagery of space objects using cameras mounted on other satellites, and deriving information and intelligence from the captured imagery. Our technology helps governments and commercial companies to visually monitor their spacecraft and other space objects they care about. Our vision is to image anything in the solar system on-demand. Read more about NEI here.

We are building out a high performing interdisciplinary team capable of pushing the boundaries of space technology. We are growing fast and looking for talented, passionate people that value collaboration, growth and learning to join our team.

HEO is a post Series-A company backed by high profile venture funds including Airtree, Y Combinator and In-Q-Tel. We are headquartered in Sydney, Australia with offices in London, UK and Washington DC, USA.

Note: This position is open to current permanent residents or citizens of Australia and New Zealand. In exceptional cases, we will consider visa sponsorship for provisional visa holders.

About the role:

HEO designs and builds high-performance optical payloads for space to support HEO's in-orbit imaging operations. As a Space Systems Engineer, you will work closely with the HEO hardware team to embed manufacturability into designs, iterate on production builds, manage hardware inspection and quality control, and own the coordination of test campaigns (e.g. vibration, shock, EMI, thermal vacuum). You'll also manage logistics and packaging for final flight hardware shipment. With years of experience in this domain, the HEO team will help you expand your knowledge and skills to flourish in this exciting role.

Your key responsibilities:

• Help design and develop the next-generation of HEO's space cameras;
• Perform hands-on mechanical and optical assembly of HEO's space cameras in a lab environment;
• Develop and refine assembly procedures, jigs, and alignment workflows for repeatability and reliability;
• Implement design-for-manufacture (DFM) best practices and integrate prototyping feedback into design revisions;
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing issues during prototyping and early production builds;
• Maintain configuration control and documentation for production hardware;
• Conduct incoming and in-process part inspection, fit checks, and manage supplier-provided hardware quality;
• Plan and manage payload-level test campaigns including vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, and thermal vacuum testing;

We are looking for someone with:

• 3+ years experience in production and testing of complex hardware systems, ideally in space, aerospace, or defence.
• Experience working with external manufacturing partners and test houses.
• Understanding of mechanical tolerancing, inspection tools, materials, and DFM principles.
• Excellent organisational, project management and documentation skills.
• Proficiency in:
  • Fusion 360 or similar
  • Python
• Experience managing environmental test campaigns.
• Experience with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) for CNC machining, including toolpath generation and fixture design.
• Familiarity with optical payload integration and alignment techniques and knowledge of hardware export and logistics for spaceflight or defense systems is considered a plus.

HEO's Company Values:

We value good space citizenship. We are passionate about responsible space custodianship, sustainability and trust. We believe that space should be easy and transparent. Our values help us to tackle some of the most complex issues in space for the benefit of all of humanity.

As a team, we are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for employees from all backgrounds.

Perks & benefits:

HEO is one of Australia's fastest-growing space technology companies. At HEO, we're committed to creating the best working environment where everyone thrives, values collaboration, encourages innovation and shares the common goal of making space transparent.

• Employee Share Option Plan (Own a piece of HEO)
• Full-time role based in office, with flexibility for hybrid work
• Central location in Sydney's Tech Central
• Flexible leave options so you can recharge and relax when best suits you – no forced leave during office shutdowns
• A generous parental leave policy
• End of trip facilities - bicycle parking and showers

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance HEO and our culture. Research shows that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single competency or experience. If you are excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be just the right person for this role and HEO. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application and throughout the interview process.

The successful candidate must submit to a background check.