To take a leading role in the design, manufacturing and testing of complex, high value space hardware and ground support equipment.
This occupation is found in the space sector, and primarily the 'upstream' manufacturing area. This covers the design and production of spacecraft and the components and subsystems they comprise. It also includes production, operation and maintenance of highly specialised ground support equipment. Ground support equipment is used to support the development and testing of satellites and other equipment flown in space, before launch. Space systems engineers cover a broad range of mechanical, electronic, and thermal engineering disciplines. They usually specialise in one or more specific areas.
The upstream element of the industry is part of the overall space sector. It is related to but distinct from the 'downstream' part of the sector. The downstream sector is concerned with the exploitation of data from satellites for end-user applications including weather forecasting and telecommunications. Although businesses in the downstream sector work mainly with data and services, many also employ space systems engineers. Income for the whole UK space sector has grown significantly. The upstream segment has been the majority contributor to the overall growth of the sector. Space is a key part of the UK’s Industrial Strategy supporting the development and increases in productivity of other key sectors. For example, Agribusiness, Transport and Health, through improved data provision and communications. Government has committed funding to new developments supporting the upstream sector. Investments include establishing UK space ports, funding of spacecraft technology programmes and a satellite launch capability, and the National Satellite Test Facility.
Space Systems Engineers work in a variety of businesses. These can be small, medium or large enterprises. For example, specialising in, or involved with, space systems and space technology. They can also work in large national or global aerospace companies and space agencies. They are also found in academic institutions. Institutions include universities, government-funded science and technology research and development laboratories.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to take a leading role in the design, manufacturing and testing of complex, high value space hardware and ground support equipment at component and sub-system level, using advanced integration skills. Space Systems Engineers receive customer and mission requirements. They use engineering and scientific principles and knowledge of the space environment to identify solutions to requirements. They also assist in research and development, provide technical expertise, support, solutions and leadership.
Space Systems Engineers typically work to normal business hours. They can be required to work shifts and weekends in particular circumstances. For example, during launch support, or in periods leading up to major project delivery milestones. They typically work in secure and controlled environments, workshops and development areas. These can involve working at ground level, and at high level on gantries and walkways. They also work in regular offices. Some of these environments can be highly specialised (for example, rocket propulsion test facilities). These environments can involve working with very high pressure gas and fluid delivery systems, high vacuum facilities, and cryogenic fluids and delivery systems.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a range of stakeholders. Within their organisation they interact with the project manager, engineering team members, technical specialists, systems engineers, senior managers. They also interact with other internal teams such as finance, health and safety, and marketing. They may also interact directly with external stakeholders such as the customer or client, as well as suppliers and service providers.
An employee in this occupation is responsible for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake within the limits of their personal authority. Space systems engineers adhere to statutory regulations and organisational health and safety requirements. They also identify, and carry out work in compliance with, standards imposed by key customers. For example, space agencies and regulatory bodies such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS).
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 48 months. The EPA period is typically 7 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the space systems engineer, the qualification required is:
A space engineering or space science degree or other space degree that fully aligns to the KSBs on the apprenticeship
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 10000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 32 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 60 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 5 questions about the project and presentation. The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
Professional discussion
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 9 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET) for Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Royal Aeronautical Society for Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
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1.0 | Approved for delivery | 23/02/2023 | Not set |
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