Senior Space Surveillance Systems Technician (UK) in London

Slingshot’s Senior Space Surveillance Systems Technicians are technical experts responsible for the integration, deployment, maintenance, and optimization of complex space surveillance systems within the Global Sensor Network (GSN). This role includes hands-on systems work and on-site technical guidance over field installations, warehouse operations, and technician training. The Senior Technicians ensure system performance through rigorous testing, documentation, and continuous improvement efforts, while also mentoring junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute global on-site installations of GSN systems serving as the on-site system expert for end-to-end deployment including mechanical installation, calibration, validation, and software integration of GSN systems at new locations around the world.
• Lead warehouse activity related to equipment staging, testing, packing, and shipping to ensure readiness for installation or maintenance missions.
• Assist in guiding system training sessions for new technicians.
• Deliver hands-on training programs and instructional materials to upskill new or junior team members in system operation, deployment, and diagnostics.
• Assist in guiding field testing and validation activities.
• Own the execution of local and remote testing campaigns to ensure system health, performance, and mission-readiness in real-world environments.
• Perform high-level system diagnostics and performance monitoring.
• Use designated reporting systems to monitor deployed system health, conduct root-cause analysis, and execute both preventative and corrective actions.
• Assist in guiding documenting and standardizing procedures.
• Assist in efforts to produce detailed documentation covering integration, troubleshooting, maintenance, and site installation workflows, ensuring repeatability and scalability.
• Assist in capturing procurement and logistics requirements.
• Identify part or equipment needs and submit procurement requests with written justifications and vendor suggestions to the designated operations team contact.
• Collaborate with Operations Management for site surveys and host engagement.
• Support logistical planning and site qualification, including physical surveys and early engagement with host organizations.
• Assist with coordination and the on-site execution of field repairs.
• Travel to sites as needed when hardware cannot be serviced remotely.
• Coordinate with peers, host contacts, and internal support teams for timely resolution of all system issues.
• Maintain and update inventory records ensuring accurate, timely updates of system status and equipment data in the inventory management system maintained by the operations team.
• Support the GSN on-call schedule.
• Participate in a scheduled rotation, executing monitoring and response procedures during assigned on-call periods as outlined by Sensor Systems Engineering leadership.
• Act as the conduit between Tier one and Tier 2 troubleshooting and Triage activity.
• Perform additional duties as assigned (≤10%).

Qualifications

Required:

• Associates degree in a science discipline or equivalent technical work experience.
• 2 years of field system installation experience.
• 3 years technical experience in field operations.
• Strong ability to provide system level guidance and expertise to junior team members.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Proven experience deploying, maintaining, or operating technical systems in the field.
• Ability to manage time-sensitive field operations independently in remote locations.
• Strong ability to quickly problem solve in a timely manner using limited resources.
• Familiarity with inventory systems, field diagnostics, and system documentation.
• Must be able to read drawings and schematics.
• Proficient with Linux.
• Proficient with use of GUI Tools and other UI Tools for system troubleshooting and triage.
• Comfortable with extensive domestic and international travel.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Astronomy or a related field with relevant technical experience.
• 3 years of field system installation experience.
• 4 years technical experience in field operations.
• Proven experience deploying, maintaining, or operating technical systems in the field.
• Strong technical guidance capabilities.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Ability to manage time-sensitive field operations independently in remote locations.
• Ability to quickly iterate and think on your feet.
• Strong ability to problem solve in a timely manner using limited resources.
• Familiarity with inventory systems, field diagnostics, and system documentation.
• Proficient with Linux, familiar with Python, C++, and Solid Works.
• Proficient with use of GUIs and other UIs for system troubleshooting and triage.
• Decisive decision maker.
• Comfortable with extensive domestic and international travel.

Department: Global Sensor Network (GSN) Operations

Reports To: Manager, Field Systems

Travel Requirement: Up to 70% (Domestic and International)

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion are key to our success. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for creating a safer, more connected world. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also national origin, citizenship, sex, colour, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic that is part of one’s identity. All of our employees’ points of view are key to our success, and we embrace individuality.