Satellite Operations Lead (Orbitworks - UAE)

Loft Orbital; Abu Dhabi; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering team as the Satellite Operations Lead, where you'll play a crucial role in the operational launch of a satellite fleet in the UAE. This position offers the opportunity to leverage your technical expertise and leadership skills in a fast-paced environment, ensuring seamless mission planning and integration with global operations. You'll mentor junior engineers, drive strategic initiatives, and contribute to the development of a cutting-edge satellite team. Be part of an innovative firm that aims to simplify space missions and is set to revolutionize satellite manufacturing in the region.

Qualifications

• Strong background in satellite operations with complex mission requirements.
• Experience in scripting, preferably Python, for automation.

Responsibilities

• Manage satellite fleet shifts for continuous mission operations.
• Drive operations strategy and collaborate on software and avionics.

Skills

Satellite Operations

Python Scripting

Leadership

Mission Planning

Job description

Wanna join the adventure?

As the Satellite Operations Lead for Orbitworks, you will serve as the anchor of the Satellite Operations team.

You will lead the operational launch of the Orbitworks satellite fleet in the UAE and leverage your technical and leadership skills to ensure smooth operation, mission planning, and integration with Loft’s global satellite operations. This role demands leadership, technical excellence, and operational efficiency in high-stakes environments.

About This Role:

• Operate and manage satellite fleet shifts, ensuring continuous mission operations.
• Drive satellite operations strategy while collaborating on software and avionics.
• Participate in development sprints and contribute to mission planning.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers to develop an independent, UAE-based satellite team.
• Liaise with leadership to ensure alignment with Loft’s global operations.

Must Haves:

• Strong satellite operations background, capable of understanding complex mission requirements.
• Demonstrated scripting experience, preferably in Python, for automation and mission performance.
• Proven leadership skills; ability to lead a technical team in high-pressure environments.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience with Airbus satellite platforms, particularly the Arrow-150 bus, in avionics, ADCS, or propulsion.
• Experience with low-earth orbit satellite operations.
• Hands-on Python development and testing experience, working with a complex software stack.
• Experience with satellite constellation management.
• Arabic language skills or a willingness to learn is highly desirable.

Orbitworks' mission is to make space simple for organizations that want to deploy physical and virtual missions to space. Building on Loft Orbital's heritage, Orbitworks will be the first commercial firm in the United Arab Emirates to mass-manufacture satellites. Orbitworks aims to manufacture tens of satellites annually and operates out of a 50,000-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi.