Spacecraft Operations Engineer
Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Spacecraft Operations Engineer

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting space missions and manage spacecraft operations from start to finish.
  • Company: Join Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, a pioneering subsidiary of Airbus with 40 years of innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 32 days holiday, hybrid working, and a range of corporate perks including private medical insurance.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, solve real-world problems, and travel globally for commissioning.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Space Engineering or similar; experience in spacecraft operations is a plus.
  • Other info: Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance available for international applicants.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

**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 A unique career – Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (sstl.co.uk) 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 By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com . At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

Spacecraft Operations Engineer employer: Airbus

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Guildford that champions innovation and flexibility. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and support for hybrid working, SSTL fosters a culture of collaboration and professional growth, making it an ideal place for Spacecraft Operations Engineers to thrive and contribute to cutting-edge space missions.
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Contact Detail:

Airbus Recruiting Team

emsom@airbus.com

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Spacecraft Operations Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific spacecraft operations and systems used by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. Understanding their technology and mission profiles will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of SSTL on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on recent developments in space technology and operations. Being able to discuss current trends and innovations in the field will show your passion and commitment to the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for potential technical assessments by reviewing orbital mechanics and RF communications systems. Brush up on relevant software tools and methodologies that are commonly used in spacecraft operations.

We think you need these skills to ace Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Spacecraft Operations
Space Systems Engineering
Orbital Mechanics
RF Communications Systems
Team Working Skills
Excellent Written Communication
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Autonomous Work Capability
Decision Making
Creative Problem-Solving
Ability to Work Under Pressure
MS Windows Competence
MS Office Proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Customer Support Skills
Flexibility for Out of Hours Work
Global Travel Readiness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Spacecraft Operations Engineer position. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description to tailor your application accordingly.

Highlight Relevant Experience: When writing your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in spacecraft operations or space systems engineering. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role's requirements.

Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your technical skills, particularly in orbital mechanics, RF communications systems, and documentation. Mention your proficiency with MS Office tools, as these are essential for the role.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Discuss why you want to work at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd and how your values align with theirs. Be sure to mention your ability to work under pressure and your problem-solving skills.

How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus

✨Understand the Spacecraft Lifecycle

Familiarise yourself with the entire lifecycle of spacecraft operations, from bid phase to end-of-life. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with managing these phases and any specific missions you’ve been involved in.

✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex problems in fast-paced environments. Highlight your decision-making process and the outcomes of your actions, especially in relation to spacecraft operations or engineering.

✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration

Emphasise your ability to work effectively within a team. Discuss experiences where you collaborated with engineers or other stakeholders, particularly in high-pressure situations or during mission-critical phases.

✨Highlight Technical Proficiency

Be ready to discuss your technical skills, particularly in space systems engineering, RF communications, and orbital mechanics. Mention any relevant software tools you are proficient in, such as MS Office, and how they have aided your previous projects.

Spacecraft Operations Engineer
Airbus
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