At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead satellite missions, ensuring high-quality data delivery and managing customer relationships.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a pioneering company making space accessible for real-world solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible work locations, diverse team, and a mission-driven culture.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and fostering growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of space technology and tackle global challenges.
- Qualifications: Strong project management skills and understanding of satellite operations required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ 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…
Working in our Chief Technology Office (CTO) 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 in the Mission Operations Team Working across the full mission lifecycle, the Mission Operations team is responsible for safely operating our satellites once they are in orbit. From launch and early operations through routine service and end-of-life, the team monitors spacecraft health, executes critical activities, and responds quickly to anything unexpected. Working closely with flight software, systems and engineering teams, Mission Operations plays a central role in keeping every Open Cosmos mission safe, reliable and delivering value to our customers.
What will you be doing?
- Owning the performance of assigned satellite missions, ensuring reliable and high‑quality data delivery across the full service chain
- Acting as the primary point of contact for satellite owners and promoters, managing relationships and aligning on mission objectives
- Monitoring mission health and performance across space and ground segments, proactively identifying risks and issues
- Coordinating resolution of satellite, ground segment, and data‑related incidents, ensuring timely and effective outcomes
- Providing regular reporting on mission performance, service levels, and delivery against agreed objectives
- Ensuring alignment and coordination across flight operations, ground systems, and data platform teams
- Managing third‑party partners and subcontractors contributing to mission delivery
- Supporting the Growth team in pre‑sales activities, contributing operational insight to satellite operations proposals
- Identifying opportunities to improve mission performance, service reliability, and operational efficiency
What You’ll bring
- Strong customer‑focused mindset, with the ability to align technical delivery to customer objectives
- Ability to understand and translate customer business goals into operational outcomes
- Capability in project and programme management, including planning, execution, and risk management
- Strong issue management and problem‑solving skills, particularly in complex, cross‑system environments
- Ability to coordinate across multiple technical teams and stakeholders with strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Understanding of satellite operations, including flight segment, ground segment, and mission workflows
- Knowledge of data processing systems and platforms, particularly in Earth Observation or similar domains
- Understanding of systems engineering principles and end‑to‑end system interactions
- Familiarity with project management methodologies like Agile, waterfall or hybrid approaches
- Awareness of ECSS standards and space industry practices
- Understanding of software systems and infrastructure supporting mission and data delivery
- Knowledge of geospatial data and imagery service chains, including performance and quality considerations
- Accountability, taking ownership of mission performance and delivery outcomes whilst being comfortable operating in ambiguity, navigating complex and evolving mission environments with sound judgement
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
Equal opportunity employer At Open Cosmos, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace built on respect, dignity, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively challenge bias to ensure every candidate and employee feels truly welcome. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Operations Mission Manager employer: Open Cosmos Ltd.
Open Cosmos is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture at the forefront of space technology. With a strong commitment to employee growth and inclusivity, we provide opportunities for meaningful contributions to global challenges while fostering a diverse team environment. Our mission-driven approach ensures that every team member plays a vital role in delivering impactful satellite operations, making this an exciting place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Mission Manager
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Open Cosmos Ltd. for a Operations Mission Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Mission Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Open Cosmos Ltd., make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Open Cosmos Ltd., we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Cosmos Ltd.
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Open Cosmos Ltd..
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Open Cosmos Ltd.. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Open Cosmos Ltd. love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
