Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Salary guide of £35-£45k depending on experience

Who are you? 

This is an exciting role which will suit an enthusiastic, self-starting individual who is interested in operating a range of spacecraft missions from initial operational concepts through launch and early phase, operations and de-commissioning.  The successful candidate will be comfortable working as part of a team to deliver services to a variety of customers including institutional, academic and commercial organisations. The role requires knowledge and experience of operating spacecraft, an understanding of spacecraft system engineering, willingness to learn and the ability to work with others to identify and resolve technical issues.  The right attitude is equally as important as background and experience and support and training will be provided as appropriate to the experience of the successful candidate. 

 Experience in most of the following areas is required: 

• Educated to degree -level or equivalent in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline; or a suitable mixture of Level 4/5 academic qualifications and experience.  
• Proven ability to work well as a member of a team.  
• Experience in or knowledge of some of the following areas is required (appropriate to experience level):  
• Delivery of operations on a small satellite programme, preferably across the full project lifecycle;  
• Development of spacecraft operating approaches, architectures and operating procedures;  
• Technical delivery of complex systems, software or electronic hardware;  
• Spacecraft AIT;  
• Delivery of space technology and/or space mission studies or R&D projects;  
• Technical pre-sales support during bid activity;  
• Working in and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams;  
• Interfacing to external clients;  
• Reporting project progress to internal stakeholders;  
• Working with suppliers;  
• Following processes;  
• Knowledge of Space Standards (i.e. ECSS);  
• Knowledge of UK Space Industry. 

 Skills:  

• Proficient in structuring, interpreting and parsing datasets;  
• Proficient in general programming and scripting a significant advantage;  
• Proficient with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Project);  
• Excellent communicator, both written and verbal;  
• Confident working in project delivery and bid teams. 

What will you be doing here?   

Responsibilities will include:  

• Perform spacecraft operations for a growing fleet of small satellites ;  
• Developing spacecraft operational methods and processes;  
• Developing and testing spacecraft operational procedures;  
• Co-ordinating and managing technical inputs to spacecraft operational concepts from internal and external parties including (but not limited to):  
• Payload providers;  
• Sub-contractors and suppliers (including launch providers);  
• Users;  
• Customers;  
• Regulatory authorities.  
• Definition and/or management of operational requirements for spacecraft mission delivery;  
• Management of spacecraft operational interfaces;  
• Management and maintenance of operational software tools;  
• Management and execution of operational Validation and Verification.  
• Collaboration with project managers to provide inputs to schedules; risk management plans; budget management and other project artefacts as required;  
• Technical pre-sales support to prospecting and bid activities;  
• Provision of technical inputs into technical consultancy activities such as customer supports, studies and R&D projects. 

You will report into a senior member of the Engineering Team and your work will be prioritized in discussion with them. 

About In-Space Missions   

In-Space Missions (ISM) are world class experts who design, build and operate space missions for global customers from our UK site. We also offer ‘Space as a Service’ by flying customer payloads on our spacecraft and by providing customers the ability to upload digital applications to operate on our hardware. ISM was founded in 2015 and has grown to comprise approximately 100 staff. The company was acquired by BAE Systems in 2021 and operates from offices and satellite cleanrooms located in Alton, Hampshire in the UK. 

Culture   

We have a close-knit and supportive team, with diversity and inclusion being a key to our success. Although we are looking to rapidly expand our team, we are passionate about maintaining our small company ethos, something which is at the heart of our culture. We welcome varying backgrounds, skills, perspectives and life experiences.  Here at In-Space Missions we are embracing Hybrid Working. Wherever possible, we offer flexible working arrangements to allow us to balance our work and personal life more effectively. 

 
What can we offer you?   

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, 10% Non-Contributory Pension with the option for additional salary sacrifice, free onsite parking, access to BAE Share Incentive Plan, Income protection, 3 x salary life assurance policy, discounted shopping and much more 
• Work / Life Balance: 37.5 hour week, hybrid working options, flexible working around core hours, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays  
• Personal Development: Personalised development plan along with access to BAE’s E-learning courses 
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Scheme with AXA Healthcare (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), travel insurance, cycle-to-work scheme, eye tests 

Recruitment Process   

If you’ve been shortlisted for the role, our Recruitment team will reach out to schedule a 1st stage Teams interview with you.  

We want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible so if you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments. Additionally, if you don’t meet all of the criteria please still apply. We really enjoy meeting diverse people who might bring a fresh perspective on a problem we need to solve!   

Unfortunately, we do not offer sponsorship. Please be aware that many roles working for In-Space Missions will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the company.