Spacecraft Controller

About the Company

Founded in 2002, Avanti Communications is a leading Ka-band high-throughput provider across EMEA, offering unique flexible GEO connectivity solutions worldwide. We operate a fleet of four HYLAS satellites that offer 50 GHz capacity, coupled with an extensive ground network infrastructure. Avanti provides “GEO where you need it, when you need it.” ‘Be More’ is our unique point of view on the world. We believe everyone has the potential to achieve their ambitions and we are determined to create opportunities to support this. This belief extends to the workplace, where we promote a collaborative and well-balanced working environment, resulting in us being named a Best Place to Work ™ in 2024. We offer employee benefits, flexible working, rewards for performance and the opportunity to give back to local communities to empower our people to grow, develop and make a positive difference to millions of people around the world.

About the Role

The Spacecraft Controller plays a key role in supporting the safe operations of the Avanti fleet of geostationary communications satellites. As a member of the Spacecraft Control Team (SCT), the controller’s primary role involves the monitoring of satellite health and the execution of planned satellite operations. The Spacecraft Controller will interact closely with our automated suite of Mission Control System software to carry out critical operations such as station keeping, sensor blinding, eclipse operations and payload configurations. They may perform non-routine operations, with engineering support if required, and will detect, report and respond to contingencies. They will become expert in the operation of the spacecraft control software, the satellite subsystems, ground systems and the role of spacecraft operations in delivering a high quality service to our customers. The Spacecraft Controller is the first line contact with the spacecraft and can carry out troubleshooting and anomaly resolution of the satellites and ground systems. In addition to this, they are supported at all times by a 24/7 on-call team of Spacecraft Operations Engineers, with a well-defined escalation chain. As part of the wider Satellite Operations Centre (SOC) team, they will interact on a daily basis with experts in the fields of Spacecraft Operations, Flight Dynamics, Space Ground Control Systems and Space System Engineering. In addition to their primary role, Spacecraft Controllers are also involved in Flight Operations Procedure (FOP) development, validation, simulations and spacecraft health reporting. Where shift patterns allow, controllers also have a portion of working time where they are not on shift and can focus on training and development and are provided with experience of other spacecraft operations roles.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control of the Avanti fleet of satellites on a 24/7 shift rota;
• Carry out satellite commanding using approved methods;
• Supervision of automated flight operations procedures;
• Maintain operational activity logs;
• Generate periodic reports on spacecraft health and status for distribution to the satellite engineering team;
• Perform routine control system maintenance and backup tasks;
• Provide first line response to satellite contingency and escalation to the satellite engineering team;
• Provide support for operations preparation and development during occasional periods of day shifts;
• Attend and support the anomaly review board process as required by the Spacecraft Control Services Manager and Spacecraft Operations Manager;
• Assist Ground Control Systems team in the implementation of satellite control hardware and software;
• Validate procedure and database updates using dynamic satellite simulators, and production of appropriate validation reports;
• Participate in system verification tests and simulations campaigns in support of new satellite procurement.

Skills and Experience

Required

• Attention to detail and a methodical and considered approach;
• Ability to follow processes and procedures;
• A proven ability to work unsupervised for extended periods;
• Well organised, able to prioritise and manage several activities in parallel;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Preferred

• University degree (or equivalent experience) in a STEM discipline;
• Ex-military personnel should have a background in satcom, radar or ground communication systems;
• Experience in the preparation, validation and use of operational procedures;
• Understanding of the principles of geostationary satellite operation;
• Understanding of the principles of RF communication technology;
• Knowledge of satellite subsystems;
• Experience in field of satellite control or engineering, however full training will be provided.

Pay range and compensation package: Competitive salary plus shift allowance.