Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Temporary 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage spacecraft operations and improve processes for satellite missions.
  • Company: Join a leading aerospace and defence programme with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, potential contract extension, and hands-on experience in space missions.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Be part of exciting space missions and make a real impact in the aerospace industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in spacecraft operations and strong problem-solving skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Morson are recruiting for a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to join a leading aerospace and defence programme supporting in-orbit satellite assets. This is an operational, fast-paced and transformation-focused role where you will be responsible for assessing spacecraft operations, improving processes, and supporting mission activities across the full satellite lifecycle. You will work closely with engineering, mission management and operational teams, ensuring spacecraft operations run effectively while identifying and escalating risks that could impact mission delivery. This is a strong opportunity to join a high-profile programme supporting current and future space missions in a critical operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage and assess current spacecraft operations, processes and tools
  • Identify and communicate operational constraints, risks and improvement opportunities
  • Lead improvements to mission planning, commissioning and operational procedures
  • Provide hands-on support to live spacecraft operations, including anomaly resolution
  • Support planning, scheduling and cross-team coordination activities
  • Enhance operational tools, workflows and service delivery approaches
  • Support all phases of the mission lifecycle including testing, LEOP, routine operations and end-of-life
  • Coach teams and embed best practice to ensure sustainable operational improvements

Requirements

  • Proven experience in spacecraft operations within the satellite industry
  • Strong working knowledge of satellite subsystems (AOCS/GNC or OBDH preferred)
  • Experience using mission control systems, planning tools and simulators
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, operational environment including on-call support
  • Strong problem-solving capability with the ability to remain calm under pressure
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
  • Willingness to obtain or hold security clearance

Desirable

  • Knowledge of orbital mechanics and flight dynamics
  • Experience with formation flying or proximity satellite operations
  • Systems engineering experience within space missions
  • Experience with Python, Git and REST APIs
  • Familiarity with Linux operating systems and service management tools

About the Role

This position sits within a spacecraft operations environment supporting a major satellite programme across the full mission lifecycle. The environment is highly operational, requiring strong coordination, technical expertise and the ability to react quickly to changing mission priorities. Candidates with experience in spacecraft operations, mission control or systems engineering are encouraged to apply.

What's on Offer

  • 6 month contract with potential extension
  • Competitive rate (dependent on experience)
  • Opportunity to support a major UK space programme
  • Exposure to full satellite mission lifecycle
  • Work within a collaborative and specialist engineering team

Spacecraft Operations Engineer employer: Morson Edge

Morson is an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a significant impact in the aerospace and defence sector. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from a dynamic work culture that encourages professional growth and development while working on high-profile space missions. The opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology and contribute to the full satellite lifecycle makes this role not only rewarding but also pivotal in shaping the future of space exploration.

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Contact Details:

Morson Edge Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Tap into Aerospace Communities

Join aerospace engineering forums and social media groups. These spaces are often buzzing with opportunities, and you'll get to know industry pros who can give insider tips on temporary roles at places like Morson Edge.

Be Ready for Seasonal Hiring

Keep an eye out for seasonal hiring windows when big projects ramp up. Many companies in aerospace will bring in temporary staff for peak times, so it’s worth checking back regularly for opportunities at places like Morson Edge.

Showcase Your Skills at Events

Attend industry events or job fairs focused on aerospace; these can be great places to meet recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face. Bring your A-game, and don’t hesitate to mention your interest in temporary positions.

Apply through Our Website

When you find temp roles listed on our website, apply directly! It shows you're genuinely interested in the position at Morson Edge and makes it easier for their team to spot your application.

We think you need these skills to ace Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Spacecraft Operations
Satellite Subsystems Knowledge (AOCS/GNC or OBDH)
Mission Control Systems
Planning Tools
Simulators
Problem-Solving Skills
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a temporary role in aerospace engineering, make sure to highlight any relevant projects you've worked on. Include details about your role, the technologies or methodologies used, and the impact of your work. This not only demonstrates your hands-on experience but also your understanding of the field.

Tailor Your CV to Engineering Standards:Your CV should follow industry conventions, so make sure it's structured to showcase your technical skills, like CAD software or simulation tools. Also, include any certifications relevant to aerospace engineering, as these can make a strong impression on Morson Edge.

Inject Some Personality into Your Cover Letter:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see why you're excited about this opportunity with Morson Edge. Let your personality shine through your cover letter, perhaps by discussing why aerospace engineering fascinates you or sharing a project that ignited your passion. We want to see your motivation and enthusiasm!

Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills:Aerospace engineering often involves collaboration, so be sure to showcase your teamwork and communication skills in your written application. Use examples that demonstrate how you've effectively worked with others, especially in high-pressure situations, as this will resonate well with Morson Edge.

How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Edge

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Given you're aiming for a role in aerospace engineering, make sure you’re clear on key principles relevant to the role. Expect to tackle questions about materials, aerodynamics, and engineering principles. Revisit any projects or concepts you’ve studied, especially those that highlight problem-solving in design processes.

Showcase Relevant Projects in Your Portfolio

Even for a temporary role, it's crucial to present any relevant aerospace projects you’ve worked on. We should be ready to discuss the tools you used, the methodology behind your designs, and the specific outcomes. It's your chance to showcase not just your skills but also your passion for engineering.

Understand the Temporary Nature of the Role

Since this is a temporary position, we want to be prepared to discuss how we can quickly add value to the team. Be ready to articulate what you can bring to the company during this short-term engagement and show eagerness to learn and adapt quickly within the environment at Morson Edge.

Prepare for Practical Technical Assessments

Expect potential technical assessments where you might need to solve engineering problems or even design a small project on the spot. We should practice common scenarios that could arise in aerospace to demonstrate our hands-on ability, whether it's through CAD software or analytical thinking.