Meet Rob - Electronics Engineer, UK
Sponsored by BAE
For Rob, the opportunities really are limitless. From deep-space missions to cutting-edge tech, he’s continuously inspired to learn and grow, making a real impact as part of a supportive global community where innovation knows no bounds.
You may not think of space when you hear “BAE Systems” - I didn’t either until I joined the graduate programme. With an MEng in Mechatronics from the University of Manchester, I expected to work in robotics or digital control systems. Instead, I found myself supporting full-stack software development for the Tracking, Telemetry and Command Processor (TTCP) - a vital system for space communication.
TTCP is essentially a modem for space missions, linking ground stations with spacecraft. It sends commands and receives telemetry, sensor data, and video. It also makes extremely precise measurements of range and velocity - essential for spacecraft billions of kilometres from Earth. Developed in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), TTCP is now deployed globally, replacing the legacy system after nearly 30 years of use.
Since joining the project, I’ve worked across both front-end and back-end development, including user interfaces for ground station engineers and signal processing to handle Doppler shift. I’ve also helped install hardware worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, liaised with ESA on mission-critical projects, and collaborated with customers like Goonhilly Earth Station. A recent highlight was delivering a solution to stream real-time TTCP data to external clients - opening the door for multi-agency collaboration and antenna arraying for enhanced performance.
The work is not only highly technical and meaningful - it’s also incredibly varied. Some days I’m writing Java code; other days I’m working with firmware at the nanosecond level. Whether I’m solving deep technical challenges or exploring creative new approaches, I know the work I do has a tangible impact on ESA deep-space missions like JUICE. That sense of purpose never gets old.
