Senior Systems Engineer – Optical Ground System Operations in Oxford

About Archangel Lightworks

At Archangel Lightworks, we are revolutionising global communication with our Optical Ground Stations. By enabling ultra-high bandwidth data transfer for space applications, we are driving the future of high-speed, low-latency connectivity. Our systems are at the forefront of innovation, and we are looking for a talented Systems Engineer to support the cloud software that bridges our Optical Ground Stations with operational systems and external partners. If you are passionate about space, laser communication, cloud software, systems engineering, and integrating complex technologies, we’d love to hear from you!

Role Overview

As a Systems Engineer, you will play a critical role in supporting the specification, design, integration, and test of cloud-based software and interfaces that enable seamless operations and communications for our Optical Ground Stations. This role involves working closely with internal engineering teams, external partners, and customers to ensure the cloud software systems support operational needs and enables smooth integration with partner systems.

You will be responsible for defining system requirements, designing architecture, ensuring robust integration, and supporting the deployment and maintenance of cloud-based services. Additionally, you will be responsible for leading a small team, planning sprints, and coordinating activities to ensure timely and successful project delivery. This is a cross-functional role that bridges software, systems engineering, and operational workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and document system-level requirements for cloud-based software supporting the operation of Optical Ground Stations.
• Design scalable, secure, and reliable system architectures and manage APIs, ensuring scalability, security, and operational reliability.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for integration partners, providing guidance and support.
• Plan and execute system integration, testing and initial operations to validate system functionality and ensure interoperability.
• Lead sprint planning, manage Agile workflows, and ensure timely delivery of team tasks.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including user manuals, API specs, and operational procedures.

As a senior engineer, you will:

• Lead significant projects/developments/parts of the system (e.g., major subsystem for satellite link, ground station integration).
• Demonstrate strong architecture/design skills; tackle ambiguous technical challenges.
• Mentor mid-level/junior engineers; influence technical decisions and best practices.
• Communicate effectively with leadership and external stakeholders.
• Proactively seek opportunities for growth, staying abreast of the state-of-the-art, driving innovation based on new developments and embodying the value of curiosity.
• Support deployment and operation of the system.
• Generate and capture intellectual property.

Requirements

Essential:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, software development, or cloud-based system development.
• Understanding of systems engineering standards and processes (e.g. MBSE SysML), and associated tool support (e.g. Enterprise Architect).
• Understanding of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and their associated services (e.g., compute, storage, networking, APIs).
• Experience with API design, development, and documentation, including RESTful APIs and gRPC.
• Experience with system integration and testing, especially for cloud-based applications.
• Understanding of system security principles, including encryption, authentication, and secure data transfer.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines and with external partners.

Desirable:

• Experience with satellite communication systems, optical ground stations, or related technologies.
• Familiarity with networking protocols and distributed systems (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, MQTT) and data serialization formats (e.g., JSON, Protobuf).
• Experience with automated testing frameworks and CI/CD pipelines.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python for system integration and scripting.
• Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, or other containerization and orchestration tools.
• Knowledge of data visualization tools and techniques for operational monitoring and analysis.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, including infrastructure-as-code (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies in space and optical communication.
• A dynamic, innovative, and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Team socials and events.