At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build scalable automation systems for mission operations and production environments.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible for real-world solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible work locations, diverse team, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge space technology.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and technical excellence.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of space tech, solving global challenges with innovative automation.
- Qualifications: Experience in Python, CI/CD pipelines, and designing resilient automation frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…
The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.
Working across the full mission lifecycle, the Mission Operations team is responsible for safely operating our satellites once they are in orbit. As we scale our missions and operations, we’re looking for an Automation Architect to define and shape the automation backbone that powers everything from mission control to production testing. This is a high-impact, system-level role where you’ll sit at the intersection of mission operations, ground software, and production systems — designing automation that is scalable, maintainable, and future-ready.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Define the automation architecture for mission operations, including pipelines, interfaces, and frameworks
- Establish design principles and standards to ensure long‑term scalability and maintainability
- Evaluate and integrate automation tools, technologies, and frameworks
- Guide Automation Engineers on design decisions and implementation approaches
- Review code, frameworks, and systems to ensure architectural alignment
- Support ML Engineers with integration of models into operational workflows
- Collaborate with OpenOPS on Mission Control System automation capabilities
- Partner with OpenSat and OpenApp teams to embed automation into product and platform design
- Support Mission Operations with automated workflows and procedures
- Identify bottlenecks and continuously improve the automation ecosystem
- Lead architectural reviews and define future enhancements
- Maintain clear architecture documentation and technical guidelines
What You’ll Bring
- The ability to design and build scalable, resilient automation systems and frameworks that support both mission operations and production environments
- Confident with Python, Bash, or similar scripting languages to develop, integrate, and maintain automation across complex systems
- Strong knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, orchestration tools, and system integrations to enable reliable, repeatable operational workflows
- Ability to work with distributed and event‑driven systems, understanding how data and processes flow across mission‑critical infrastructure
- Think in systems, patterns, and long‑term architecture, designing solutions that are maintainable, extensible, and aligned to future mission needs
- An aptitude to guide others and help raise technical standards across the team, providing clarity on design decisions and promoting best practice in automation engineering
For this role you can be based in any of our locations. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. Please submit your application and CV in English.
Why Open Cosmos?
- Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
- A mission‑driven company making space accessible to help solve real‑world challenges.
- A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.
Automation Architect employer: Open Cosmos Ltd
Open Cosmos Ltd is an exceptional employer located in East Hagbourne, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of space technology. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and personal growth. Employees benefit from engaging in meaningful projects that address global challenges, alongside opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Architect
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Open Cosmos Ltd!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Automation Architect position at Open Cosmos Ltd, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Open Cosmos Ltd is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Automation Architect role at Open Cosmos Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Open Cosmos Ltd and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Cosmos Ltd
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Open Cosmos Ltd.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Open Cosmos Ltd, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
