Systems Analysis & Simulations Engineer

About Archangel Lightworks
Archangel Lightworks is a laser communications company building wireless technology. Founded in 2017, we believe that laser communications to and from satellites is a key component of next-generation infrastructure. Our core product, the TERRA-M, is a deployable optical ground station with proven capability for space - ground data transfer.

Our team develops and operates products that advance the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure. We value compassion, resilience, curiosity, ownership and integrity. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can contribute to novel technology with meaningful applications like reducing the Digital Divide.

Archangel Lightworks recently closed over £10 million of investment in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. Our company is also supported by the UK Space Agency, the UK’s Department of Science and Technology (DSIT) and the UK Ministry of Defence.

About the job

We’re looking for a Systems Analysis & Simulation Engineer to join our experienced engineering team and deliver transformative laser communications technology. You will be responsible for performing simulation and analysis to optimise optical Space-to-Ground communication links and services.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Development and testing algorithms for forecasting link availability based on meteorological forecasts and terminal sensor data
• Link performance estimation, optimisation based on expected conditions and analysis of empirical data to enable continuous improvement
• Develop and utilise Archangel Lightwork's laser communications network simulation tool to assess network level performance of optical communication systems, supporting site selection and network architecture development. This includes use case, scenario and KPI definition, analysis of large simulation datasets, and optimisation of simulation efficiency
• Generate technical reports, visualisations, and presentations to communicate results to internal and external stakeholders
• Support the development & testing of other analysis and simulation tools to improve product performance and service delivery.

Requirements:

• 3 years of experience
• Has developed complex models & simulations in MATLAB/Simulink, ideally using meteorological data, of involving networks/communications
• Has experience developing/testing/analysing empirical data
• Has experience processing and analysing large datasets efficiently
• MATLAB & Python experience.

Desirable additional skills:

• Satellite communications, lasercom experience
• Understanding of optical turbulence and associated modelling tools
• Understanding of orbital mechanics, satellite constellations, and NTN networks
• Experience developing link budgets and associated tradeoff analysis
• Experience using ML/neural networks for meteorological analysis, forecasting, network traffic or network modelling.

Location: Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford. There may be opportunity to work from home as agreed with your line manager. There may be opportunity for periodic business travel.

What we offer:

• Opportunity to work on advanced optical systems to support a world-changing vision
• A collaborative and transparent culture with strong links between functions
• Regular socials and weekly company lunch
• Professional development and skills growth within a specialist engineering field
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with equity options in a growing start-up
• 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools when applying. Please ensure your application reflects your own experience, skills, and thinking. We assess applications based on authenticity and accuracy, so anything generated with AI should be reviewed, personalised, and representative of you.