Date Posted: 2026-10-23
Country: United Kingdom
Location: Sedgefield, Durham
Position Role Type: Onsite
Scientist
Sedgefield
Permanent
Hybrid (Can be very flexible)
Due to the interesting work we do and the sector this team is working in, we require all candidates to be eligible to gain an SC clearance.
About us
Raytheon UK, a leading International Defence & Security prime, are looking for an enthusiastic, hard-working Scientist with strong astronomy qualifications, or strong space surveillance and tracking experience, to join a dynamic, fast-paced and diverse Engineering team working within the space and defence domain.
This role sits within Raytheon UK’s Space and Airborne business and will report to the Space Senior Scientist.
This role is based in Sedgefield with the opportunity for flexible home working.
Role & Responsibilities
As a member of the Raytheon Space Scientist team, you will be heavily involved in the development, operation and maintenance of optical Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) sensor technologies. In addition, you will work on Research & Development (R&D) projects and will support the wider Raytheon Space business unit on complex technical work in the fields of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA).
In addition to internal research projects, you will also have the opportunity to be involved in externally facing projects and will work as part of a team to deliver high-quality technical work to partners and customers.
A strong understanding of optical SST equipment (such as astronomical telescopes) will be desired for this role, and the successful candidate will also be expected to have programming experience using languages such as Python and have experience in using Linux-based operating systems. Knowledge or experience of general SSA/SST/SDA topics will be advantageous.
This is an extremely unique role and will enable the successful candidate to gain a significant amount of broad space experience and network within both the civil and military space community.
Required experience
- A 2:1 bachelor’s degree in astronomy, astronautics or a related field (physics or maths).
- Experienced and skilled in coding tasks, specifically using Python.
- Familiarity with using Linux-based operating systems.
- Strong communication skills. Ability to clearly and concisely orally communicate complex technical topics to colleagues and clients at all levels of understanding.
- Strong technical writing skills. Ability to write technical documents that clearly and concisely describe technical work undertaken.
- Able to work effectively and innovatively, both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong independent learning and time management skills.
- Flexibility to support global space operations, which may fall outside of usual business hours. Time off in lieu (TOIL) will apply.
Desirable experience (NOT essential)
- A 1st class masters in astronomy, astronautics or related field (physics or maths).
- A strong understanding of the design and operation of optical sensor technologies, such as astronomical telescopes.
- Strong experience or qualifications in SSA/SST/SDA, or other orbital analysis related topics.
- Strong understanding of astrodynamics, such as orbital mechanics and orbit determination.
- Highly proficient in primarily Python, but other languages are also considered.
- Highly proficient in Linux-based operating systems.
- Proficient in the application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques and technologies to problems.
- Strong understanding of networking and network design
Benefits
- £: Competitive salary
- Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution)
- 6 times salary ‘Life Assurance’ with pension
- 25 days holiday (increasing with service) + statutory public holidays, plus opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days (37hr)
- Company bonus scheme (discretionary)
- Flexible Benefits scheme with extensive salary sacrifice schemes, including Health Cashplan, Dental, and Cycle to Work amongst others
- Enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental leave
Work Culture
- 37hr working week, although hours may vary depending on role, job requirement or site-specific arrangements.
- Early 1.30pm finish Friday, start your weekend early!
- Remote, hybrid and site based working opportunities, dependant on your needs and the requirements of the role.
- Up to 5 paid days volunteering each year.
- Flexible working culture focused on output, with more formal flexible working arrangements on request (assessed subject to role) – please highlight any requests to the Talent Acquisition team.
About Raytheon UK
With facilities in Broughton, Waddington, Glenrothes, Harlow, Gloucester, Manchester and a presence across customer sites together with remote working practices. Raytheon UK is invested in the British workforce and the development of UK technology. Across the country Raytheon UK employs over 2,000 people and su
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