SCC Spacecraft Controller

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you’ll do

Viasat Global Services (VGS) is a centralized team responsible for delivering Viasat’s operational, support, and transactional activities. Bringing together functions such as Workplace Services, Satellite Operations, Network Operations, Commercial and GFB Service Delivery, Portfolio and Process Management, and Capacity & Service Assurance. VGS plays a critical role in enabling Viasat to operate with greater clarity, simplicity, and speed.

The SCC Spacecraft Controller on shift duty is responsible for conducting all activities performed in the Viasat Satellite Control Centre during their shift operating in a single manning environment. These activities may be under guidance or instruction from management/support personnel or conducted directly by the individual and will include:

• Routine on-station operational tasks on the satellites and Ground Control System (GCS)
• Special activities in response to non‑nominal conditions (Incident Management)
• Off‑line support functions
• First level trouble shooting and anomaly resolution of the satellites and GCS

The Viasat SCC is a highly automated environment, and the emphasis of the SCC Spacecraft Controller function is based on supervision of performing automated procedures rather than in their manual execution. The Viasat SCC is currently integrating with the equivalent SCC located in the US. The SCC S/C Controller would be expected to learn operations of the US control systems and at the end of a training process being able to control the overall satellite fleet and ground segment.

This position requires the staff member to perform regular satellite operations and to respond quickly at any time of the day or night to operational anomalies arising in the satellites or ground control system. These situations may have severe financial effects for Viasat and the operation of Viasat telecommunications services in an entire ocean region. The SCC Spacecraft Controller is encouraged to exercise all operations in a professional and disciplined manner, performing routine procedures to the letter. The SCC Spacecraft Controller is expected to provide on‑call support for shift coverage.

The day‑to‑day responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that Viasat in‑orbit satellites and associated ground Control System are maintained in an operational status
• Monitoring the satellites and ground‑control system to verify operational status and to detect and report anomalous conditions that could adversely affect operations
• Performing scheduled commands on spacecraft and GCS according to procedure, operational note and daily activity schedule
• Taking effective actions, within given procedures, guidelines or specific instructions, to eliminate or minimise the effect of anomalous conditions on the satellites and GCS
• Operating SCC equipment, I4S computer systems and GCS remote tools according to procedures, work practices or user guides
• Providing support at the Backup SCC either as part of a scheduled or contingency operation for short or extended periods as the need arises
• Assisting spacecraft and flight dynamics analyst staff in investigations and data gathering in response to routine, anomalous or non‑routine events on the satellites or GCS
• Participating in regular spacecraft training and simulation sessions
• Maintaining an accurate record of all SCC and GCS activities in electronic log books
• Providing support to both external and in‑house hardware and software support groups as required to troubleshoot or test the ground system
• Providing support in writing and testing I4S automated procedures
• Providing the S/C Analyst Group with support in writing satellite health and performance reports
• Liaising with all remote TTC Station personnel, Viasat support groups, contractors and other relevant personnel in ensuring that real‑time activities conducted by them or with them are in accordance with operational requirements and authorisations
• Coordinating with the Network Operations Centre (NOC) on all matters affecting the payload of the satellites, together with areas of the GCS which are of mutual utilisation
• Liaising with members of SCC Operations management, Spacecraft Analysis or Flight Dynamics in all relevant matters, including real‑time and off‑line activities and tasks

What you’ll need

• Technical education in electronics, telecommunication and/or computing, possessing a recognised certificate or diploma from a Technical College, Polytechnic or Technical School
• Previous shift working experience

What will help you on the job

• Previous experience of satellite operations and satellite control systems
• Ability to operate in a single manning and in a highly automated environment
• Clear communications
• Previous experience with Incident Management

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic.