Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Job Description:

How to apply

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) is a subsidiary of Airbus. SSTL has a heritage that spans over 40 years, and prides itself in continual innovation and improvement of space technologies, products and services, as well as in delivering space missions for a broad array of applications. From the earliest study activities to the subsystem manufacturing, to the assembly and test, to in-orbit operations, the whole spacecraft lifecycle is managed from SSTL’s Guildford, Surrey headquarters.

For SSTL roles please apply directly on

This role is an exciting opportunity to join the Spacecraft Operations team with responsibility to lead space missions from LEO to GEO and beyond. Spacecraft Operations Engineers are involved in the full life of the mission, from the bid phase, supporting mission development, writing procedures for operating craft, right through to LEOP & commissioning, transfer to operations, and end of life operations. They play a vital role, providing valuable specialist knowledge to feed into projects, hands on involvement with spacecraft in orbit, and problem solving in a fast-paced environment. There is also the opportunity to travel globally for commissioning.

Key Tasks

• Managing spacecraft operations work packages for new missions:
  • Working with the System Engineer to understand and help shape CONOPS for future missions
  • Identification and communication of spacecraft operations requirements and constraints for these missions
  • Supporting internal and external milestone reviews for projects
  • Supporting ground-based spacecraft testing
  • Producing spacecraft operations handbooks
  • Defining, documenting, and testing operational procedures
  • Defining, documenting, and testing spacecraft commissioning procedures
  • Planning and managing spacecraft commissioning campaigns
  • Customer Engineer support and training

• Supporting operation of existing SSTL on-orbit assets:
  • Routine monitoring of, and interaction with, SSTL Spacecraft
  • Support anomaly investigation activities
  • Support Mission Services in responding to and co-ordinating customer requests for operations support
  • Analysis of historical trend data for spacecraft health monitoring
  • Support to operations out of hours on-call activities, once sufficient experience is gained.

• Supporting the Spacecraft Operations Centre infrastructure
  • Supporting, when required, Spacecraft Operation Infrastructure & Ground Engineers in routine maintenance of SSTL ground assets
  • Working with the Spacecraft Operations Team, the Ground Software Team, and the Ground Segments Team to ensure that the Spacecraft Operations Centre and associated equipment is fully operational

Previous Experience

• Previous experience in Spacecraft Operations or Space Systems Engineering would be advantageous

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

• Degree in Space engineering, or similar
• Good understanding of space and ground segment systems
• Good understanding of orbital mechanics
• Understanding of RF communications systems
• Good team working skills, together with the ability to interface with others at all levels
• Excellent written documentation and communication skills
• Attention to detail essential
• Good organisation skills and able to prioritise own workload
• Able to work autonomously and use own initiative to progress tasks
• Proven ability to handle pressure and work to tight deadlines when times are busy
• Decision making and creative problem-solving skills
• Flexible and must be able to work out of hours on occasion
• Foreign travel for a number of weeks will be required during commissioning phases and other customer support activities
• Competence with MS Windows and its components (e.g. registry, networking)
• Good MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint particularly)
• Able to demonstrate company mindsets and behaviours; Be accountable, Drive & delivery, Communicate effectively, Self-manage effectively, Work as one team

Location

SSTL prides itself on being a super flexible company. The role is based in our Head Office in Guildford but we fully support hybrid working and a range of flexible working options.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes: 32 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays, Pension Scheme with Life Assurance, Private Medical & International Travel Insurance, Annual Bonus Scheme, Share Incentive Plan, Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay for new parents, High Street Discount Scheme and many more!

Visa Support

SSTL supports applications requiring a UK Skilled Worker Visa and sponsorship is available for this role. Relocation assistance also available.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

SURREY SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

Employment Type:

Permanent

-------

Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Customer Flight/Mission & Ops Support