Satellite Operations Software Engineer Software

Frontdoor Defense; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Orbitworks in Abu Dhabi requires a Satellite Operations Software Engineer to lead development, automation, and operation of satellite programs from design to orbit.

The role combines hands-on satellite operations with software development and systems engineering to ensure mission success across ground and space interfaces.

Qualifications

• Strong background in satellite operations and complex systems management.
• Proven software development experience with strong automation skills.
• Willingness to train as a Satellite Controller/Flight Director, including commissioning and on-call rotation.

Responsibilities

• Execute satellite operations, including participating in the on-call rotation as Satellite Controller/Flight Director.
• Configure and set up tools for programs, including procedures, dashboards, subschedules, resolvers, and auto-pilot plans.
• Configure systems for commissioning and nominal operations.
• Handle anomalies and maintain overall space infrastructure performance.
• Develop automation for both ground and space-based operations.
• Script mission performance and cockpit configurations, preferably in Python.
• Validate and verify tools used in satellite operations.
• Support test campaigns prior to and during launch.
• Apply the 'Test as We Fly' methodology for all mission-critical systems.
• Understand customer CONOPS for operational planning and execution.
• Interface with customers prior to and during mission deployment.

Skills

Python

Git

Automation

Software development

Systems engineering

Satellite operations

On-call rotation

Job description

Satellite Operations Software Engineer

Lead development and operation of satellite programs from design to orbit

Location: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate

About The Role

Satellite Operations Software Engineer

Wanna join the adventure?

As a Satellite Operations Software Engineer, you will be a key contributor to the development, automation, and operation of Orbitworks' satellite programs.

This is a hands-on satellite operations role combined with software development and systems engineering to ensure mission success from design to orbit.

You will work across the full stack software, hardware, and operational interfaces to deliver robust, scalable solutions that support satellite commissioning, nominal operations, and anomaly resolution.

About this Role:

• Execute satellite operations, including participating in the on-call rotation as Satellite Controller/Flight Director.
• Configure and set up tools for programs, including procedures, dashboards, subschedules, resolvers, and auto-pilot plans.
• Configure systems for commissioning and nominal operations.
• Handle anomalies and maintain overall space infrastructure performance.
• Develop automation for both ground and space-based operations.
• Script mission performance and cockpit configurations, preferably in Python.
• Validate and verify tools used in satellite operations.
• Support test campaigns prior to and during launch.
• Apply the 'Test as We Fly' methodology for all mission-critical systems.
• Understand customer CONOPS for operational planning and execution.
• Interface with customers prior to and during mission deployment.

Must Haves:

• Strong background in satellite operations and complex systems management.
• Willingness to train as a Satellite Controller/Flight Director, including commissioning and on-call rotation.
• Proven software development experience with strong automation skills.
• Ability to work across full hardware/software stack (ground-based, space-based, and interface systems).
• Proficiency in Python and Git.
• Pragmatic mindset with ability to balance short- and long-term operational goals.
• High accountability, autonomy, and ownership in delivering results.
• Openness to learning and working outside comfort zones in a fast-paced environment Scripting experience for automation and mission operations.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience with Airbus satellite platforms (Arrow-150 bus) in avionics, ADCS, or propulsion.
• Experience with LEO satellite operations and constellation management.
• Experience interacting with and managing customers.
• Background in satellite testing, AIT, validation and verification of complex systems.
• Arabic language skills or willingness to learn.

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.