At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety and security at the UK's first licensed spaceport through proactive patrolling and monitoring.
- Company: Join SaxaVord Spaceport, a pioneering force in the UK’s space launch sector.
- Benefits: Earn £15 per hour with a unique 3 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, remote location with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting team protecting critical infrastructure in a high-profile environment.
- Qualifications: SIA licence required; experience in security is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 15 £ per hour.
Location: SaxaVord Spaceport, Unst, Shetland
Salary: £15 per hour
Working Pattern: 3 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation
Who we are:
SaxaVord Spaceport is the UK’s first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport, located on the island of Unst in Shetland — the most northerly inhabited island in the UK. We provide launch facilities, ground station services and operational infrastructure to support small satellite missions into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Join us on our journey to deliver launch capability to the UK.
The Security Officer is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment across the spaceport site, including operational, industrial and domestic areas. You will play a key role in protecting employees, visitors, clients and assets through proactive patrolling, monitoring of security systems, access control and rapid response to incidents or emergencies. This is a frontline operational role within a highly regulated, safety-critical environment where professionalism, vigilance and resilience are essential. You will also support wider site activities that contribute to the safe and efficient running of SaxaVord Spaceport.
Core responsibilities:
- Carry out regular patrols of the site to deter and prevent theft, vandalism and unauthorised access
- Monitor CCTV, alarm systems and other security technologies to identify potential threats or breaches
- Manage access control points, including verification of identification and issuing visitor passes
- Conduct searches of persons or property in line with company Drug & Alcohol policies, maintaining a professional and respectful approach at all times
- Respond promptly to incidents, emergencies and security threats, escalating to emergency services where required
- Produce accurate daily logs, incident reports and detailed documentation of any security concerns
- Enforce site safety rules and ensure compliance with security and operational procedures
- Use de-escalation techniques to manage conflict and maintain control in challenging situations
- Provide a professional and helpful point of contact for staff, visitors and contractors
- Participate in emergency response procedures, drills and preparedness exercises
- Support wider operational activities across the organisation where required
- Contribute to ongoing personal and professional development, including relevant training and qualifications
Qualifications & Knowledge:
- Educated to SCQF Level 5 or equivalent security qualification (e.g. QNUK Level 3 Security Officer Award or equivalent)
- Valid SIA licence (essential)
- Full, clean UK driving licence (essential)
- Experience working within a regulated or high-security environment (highly desirable)
- Understanding of security legislation and high-risk operational environments (desirable)
- Familiarity with integrated security systems and technology (desirable)
- Experience working within a multi-site organisation (desirable)
- Willingness to work irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays (essential)
Other Requirements:
- Ability to work a 3 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation
- Willingness to undergo security vetting (BPSS and higher as required)
- Flexibility to support operational requirements and changing priorities
- Ability to work in a remote island environment and adapt to varying weather and operational conditions
SaxaVord is at the forefront of the UK’s emerging space launch sector, offering a unique opportunity to work in a truly distinctive and high-profile operational environment. As a Security Officer, you will play a vital role in protecting critical national infrastructure and ensuring the safe operation of a world-class spaceport. You will join a supportive, professional team where safety, vigilance and teamwork are central to everything we do.
