Vice President Research And Development (Relocation to UK)

About the company

Our client is an innovative deep-tech company in the space technology sector, specialising in advanced computing and communication systems for satellites. Its software-driven, AI-enabled solutions support mission-critical space applications and are already deployed in active use across globe, including collaborations with leading international space agencies and commercial operators. With an established market presence and expanding international footprint, the company offers the opportunity to join a scaling environment where engineering leadership has direct influence on technology direction, execution quality, and long-term product impact.

About the Role

In this role you will lead the UK R&D multidisciplinary engineering function developing advanced satellite communication and embedded space systems. You will report directly to the global SVP R&D in the HQ and play a key role in shaping technical strategy, execution, and delivery across multiple engineering disciplines. The ideal candidate is a senior engineering leader with experience managing complex, multidisciplinary R&D teams in deep-tech, telecom, or space-related environments.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary R&D organization covering Hardware, Software, RF, Systems, DSP, and Mechanical engineering teams
• Own the full product development lifecycle from system definition through design, integration, testing, and production
• Define and execute engineering strategy, architecture direction, and technical roadmaps across satellite communication systems
• Oversee development of digital telecom payloads and embedded systems for space applications
• Ensure alignment and integration across all engineering disciplines and adjacent business functions
• Drive innovation in satellite communications, embedded systems, and space-resilient computing technologies
• Establish and enforce engineering best practices, development processes, and technical standards
• Manage engineering resources, delivery timelines, technical risks, and program execution quality
• Mentor and develop senior engineering leads and technical managers within the organization
• Foster a high-performance, accountable, and collaborative engineering culture
• Interface with internal stakeholders and global teams to ensure alignment on technical and program objectives

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in engineering leadership roles within R&D environments (Director / VP / Chief Engineer level preferred)
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams (30+ people), including direct management of senior engineering leads
• Strong background as a hands-on engineer who progressed into senior technical leadership roles
• Experience in embedded systems development, ideally in satellite communications, aerospace, telecom, or deep-tech industries
• Experience designing or developing digital telecom payloads or communication systems (satellite or equivalent high-reliability systems)
• Strong understanding of system architecture for complex hardware/software integrated systems
• Experience with embedded systems, RTOS environments, FPGA-based systems, or software-defined radio platforms (advantageous)
• Strong knowledge of RF systems, antenna systems, and/or signal processing (advantageous)
• Demonstrated ability to lead system-level design decisions across multiple engineering domains
• Strong problem-solving ability in complex, high-reliability engineering environments
• Experience working with space or aerospace industry standards and development practices (advantageous, especially ESA-led programs)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to align technical and non-technical stakeholders

This role requires relocation to UK, with relocation support provided

What the company offers

The company offers the opportunity to join a rapidly scaling space technology organization working at the cutting edge of satellite communications and space computing systems. This role provides the chance to lead a growing UK engineering hub, shape its technical direction, and work alongside highly experienced engineering leaders from leading deep-tech and aerospace organizations. The company offers an attractive salary and benefits package including relocation support.