Remote System Operations Engineer - 6 month FTC in Harwell

The Satellite Applications Catapult is a non‐profit research and technology organisation at the heart of the UK space sector. Our mission is to drive economic growth by helping businesses of all sizes unlock the power of satellite‐based technologies and data. Our Drone Test and Development Centre (DTDC) at Westcott supports innovation in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) by providing a secure, flexible, and well‐equipped environment for testing and development.

Purpose of the Role

We are looking for a flexible and hands‐on contractor to provide Autonomous system expertise for our Autonomy and Connect Earth (ACE) Mission, including completing project work, and operational and technical support to the DTDC team. In addition, the role will assist with bringing new capabilities online, customer engagements, test events, engineering preparation, and day‐to‐day operations across the DTDC site. This position offers broad exposure to drone systems, field testing, and operational safety management.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Support
  • Assist with setup and teardown of flight test activities.
  • Support the Flight Ops Manager with airspace coordination, NOTAM preparation, and documentation.
  • Participate during flight tests as an observer, spotter, or ground crew.
  • Help maintain operations logs, equipment usage records, and documentation.
  • Provide autonomy expertise into ACE mission when needed.
• Engineering & Technical Tasks
  • Assist in preparing platforms for testing, including mechanical adjustments and payload mounting.
  • Perform basic diagnostics, cabling, firmware loading, and system configuration.
  • Maintain workshop and tooling standards, including inventory and consumables.
• Customer & Site Support
  • Provide practical help to visiting teams, including onboarding and basic technical guidance.
  • Assist with demonstrations, tours, and industry/customer events on‐site.
• General Duties
  • Support the upkeep and safe operation of infrastructure such as battery charging stations, network equipment, telemetry systems, and ground control equipment.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of procedures, documentation, and site operations.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Practical hands‐on experience with drones, RC systems, or robotics.
• Valid CAA authorisation such as GVC, A2 CofC or equivalent.
• Good problem‐solving skills and ability to work independently in a field environment.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable interacting with customers, engineers, and industry partners.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and recognise operational hazards.
• Experienced at operating UAS platforms (e.g. multirotor, fixed‐wing, VTOL).
• Familiarity with UK airspace regulations, flight planning, and operational risk management.
• Strong safety awareness and a methodical, calm approach to fieldwork.
• Practical and adaptable mindset – good with tools, capable of setting up field equipment, troubleshooting systems, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a range of users, from SMEs to large industry players.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic and fast‐paced environment.
• Willingness to occasionally travel and support events at other sites.
• Familiarity with MAA policies, including RA1600.
• Familiarity with UK SORA, CAP722, RA2019/947, CAP3028, CAP722L, CAP3145.

Desirable Qualifications

• Basic understanding of UAS regulations and flight operations.
• Familiarity with Ardupilot/PX4 or GCS tools.
• Basic networking or electronics knowledge.
• Experience supporting flight trials, robotics testing, or engineering operations.
• GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate) or equivalent.
• Experience supporting Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
• Basic electronics, IT networking, or RF systems knowledge.
• Test and evaluation of novel platforms.
• Safety management systems (e.g., Centrik).
• First aid or fire marshal training.
• Valid UK Driving Licence.
• Experience working in defence or controlled airspace environments (MAA policies).

About us & how we work

We strive to create a high trust, high performance and inclusive environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work. This helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture. Our shared values are:

• We care – for our people, our partners, and our planet.
• We connect – and engage with people and ideas.
• We learn – and grow, as people and as an industry.

This job description outlines the skills and experience we think are needed to perform in this role. If you believe you can deliver in this role, we want to hear from you.

We offer a hybrid policy which is designed around collaboration, one anchor day per week working with your direct team and another flexible day per week to be spent collaborating or working with other colleagues. This may differ depending on the role requirements.

We offer study support (at our discretion) and on‐the‐job training will be provided.

We welcome candidates from all corners of the globe, but due to legal and logistical considerations, visa sponsorship will depend on the level of interest for our roles and salary level.