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- Tasks: Lead the design and procurement of spacecraft platforms for lunar exploration missions.
- Company: Join Viasat, a global leader in communication technology with over 35 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a diverse work environment, opportunities for growth, and the chance to impact space exploration.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking lunar missions and help humanity become multi-planetary.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering with experience in spacecraft subsystems and satellite design.
- Other info: Viasat values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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
Space agencies around the world are investing heavily into lunar exploration with the aim of establishing the Moon as a platform for mankind to become a multi-planetary species. Lunar exploration missions are furthering key scientific objectives around surviving and prospering in space as well as providing information on the origins of life as a whole. The lunar roadmap foresees in-situ resource utilisation on the Moon to establish a permanent human presence during the 2030s, as well as using the Moon as a “refuelling station” for further space exploration to Mars and beyond. As part of the investment into lunar exploration, European Space Agency (ESA) created the Moonlight programme – a private-public partnership. Moonlight will develop new communications and navigation capabilities and services that will be provided to missions on and around the Moon through the launch of dedicated infrastructure. Viasat is entering the programme as the design authority for the communications service, responsible for design and procurement of the space segment, ground segment and user infrastructure to provide communications services by the end of the decade.
Working closely with the spacecraft manufacturer at their facility, you will be required to join a team responsible for the procurement of the satellites. Your role will be to supervise the Contractor, to ensure that the design, engineering, manufacturing and testing of the spacecraft bus are of the required quality standard, within specifications and delivered in the planned time frame. Your main responsibility will be the spacecraft platform.
The day-to-day:
- Integrate with the contractor teams, and coordinate their efforts to procure the satellite Platform
- Ensure contract requirements are flown down to subcontractors, subsystem and system requirements
- Support sub-system design reviews, test activities, data reviews, anomaly investigations and resolutions
- With main focus on the satellite bus support system design reviews, test activities, data reviews, anomaly investigations and resolutions
- Supervise the progress of the sub-vendor and act as point contact for all technical matters.
- Report issues and contractual conflicts affecting satisfactory problem resolution
- Organise and record all the Platform documentation on a shared documentation system
- Advise Satellite Operations on general and specific operating procedures, and ensure safe operation of the satellites at all times
- Analyse all satellite malfunctions and anomalous behaviour. Support the liaison with the satellite supplier and other parties as necessary to complete the analysis including root cause identification. Review the Satellite Anomaly Reports
- Provide and coordinate engineering team on call support according to Company policy and procedure
- Support new space infrastructure procurement tasks
- Join Space segment in-orbit fleet on-call support roster
What you'll need:
- Degree in Engineering with proven experience in the field of Spacecraft platform subsystems
- Extensive experience in satellite design manufacturing, test, and system engineering (experience in AOCS, Propulsion or Mechanisms would be an asset)
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of satellite design, assembly integration & test
- Excellent writing and reporting skills.
- Excellent communication skills with people at all levels of the organization
- Ability to coach other members of the Satellite Engineering team
What will help you on the job:
- A passionate desire to take the organization as far as it can go
- A demonstrated ability to work across organizational boundaries
- Objective, rational and multidisciplinary thinking
- Courage to act upon convictions
- A high degree of integrity
- Provide candid feedback
- Ability to face up to problems quickly and take action
- A willingness to be self-critical and learn from mistakes - avoiding hubris
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.
Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Platform employer: Viasat
Contact Detail:
Viasat Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Platform
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in lunar exploration and satellite technology. Understanding the current trends and challenges in these areas will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aerospace industry, especially those involved in lunar missions or satellite design. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences, which can provide valuable insights and possibly lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to spacecraft platforms or satellite subsystems. Be ready to explain your role, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to the success of the project, as this will showcase your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively across teams by sharing examples of past experiences where you successfully coordinated efforts with different stakeholders. Highlighting your communication skills and teamwork will resonate well with Viasat's emphasis on an inclusive environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Platform
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in spacecraft platform subsystems, satellite design, and engineering. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for space exploration and your understanding of Viasat's mission. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, emphasise your excellent writing and reporting skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex technical information in previous roles.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: In your application, include instances where you've faced challenges in engineering projects and how you resolved them. This will demonstrate your ability to face problems quickly and take action, which is crucial for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Viasat
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in satellite design, manufacturing, and testing. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those related to spacecraft platform subsystems, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Given the importance of communication in this role, practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders in previous roles, showcasing your ability to bridge gaps between technical and non-technical teams.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss past challenges you've faced in engineering projects, particularly those involving anomaly investigations or system failures. Highlight your analytical approach and how you took action to resolve issues, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the position.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Viasat values teamwork, so be prepared to share experiences where you've collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams. Discuss how you’ve coached others and contributed to a positive team environment, which is crucial for the success of the spacecraft platform projects.
