Ground Segment Systems Engineer

Darwin Recruitment; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based space company is looking for a Ground Segment Systems Engineer to join their mission operations team. The role involves developing and supporting mission control tools, managing system requirements, and troubleshooting integrated systems. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in critical environments and a degree in engineering or computer science. The position offers hybrid working with a collaborative team that impacts satellite missions.

Qualifications

• Experience with mission control systems and associated data flows.
• Ability to troubleshoot integrated software and hardware systems.
• Experience working in Agile teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support mission control and planning tools.
• Define and manage system requirements for ground segment components.
• Collaborate with mission ops and systems teams to deliver reliable tools.

Skills

Hands-on experience with ground segment systems

Background in system integration

Good understanding of data flows

Practical experience with system testing

Technical communication skills

Education

Degree in engineering or computer science

Tools

SCOS-2000

Linux

Job description

Ground Segment Systems Engineer
Oxfordshire, UK | Hybrid (2 days onsite)
Industry: Space Systems, Mission Control, Ground Software

A UK-based space company is hiring a Ground Segment Systems Engineer to join their mission operations team. This role focuses on the infrastructure and software that run the ground side of satellite missions – everything from mission control and planning to real-time support systems.

You’d be joining a team that builds and integrates the tools needed to safely operate spacecraft. This isn’t about antenna or RF work, it’s about control systems and the software that manages critical mission activity.

What You’ll Do

• Help develop and support mission control and planning tools
• Define and manage system requirements for ground segment components
• Work with both internal developers and external suppliers
• Take part in test campaigns and simulation runs before and during missions
• Troubleshoot issues across integrated software and hardware systems
• Collaborate with mission ops and systems teams to deliver working, reliable tools
• Contribute to ongoing updates and maintenance of the control centre systems

✅ What You’ll Need

• Hands-on experience with ground segment systems or similar critical environments
• Background in system integration, ideally in space, defense, or aerospace
• Comfortable working with mission control systems and associated data flows
• Good understanding of how different ground tools interface and operate together
• Practical experience with system testing, validation, and support
• Able to work across teams and manage technical communication clearly
• Degree in engineering, computer science, or similar

⭐ Nice to Have

• Experience with mission control tools like SCOS-2000
• Familiarity with automation and mission planning systems
• Exposure to ECSS or CCSDS standards
• Knowledge of how satellite operations are structured
• Some programming experience (C++, Java, Python, etc.)
• Linux admin or scripting knowledge for test setups or toolchains
• Experience working in Agile teams

Why This Role?

• You’ll be at the heart of real-time space operations
• The work spans system design, integration, testing, and mission support
• You’ll get to shape how satellite missions are controlled from the ground
• The team is collaborative, and the tools you build will have real impact
• Hybrid working gives a good balance of on-site support and remote focus

If you’re interested in mission-critical systems and want to work on software that directly controls live spacecraft, this could be a great fit. Reach out for a chat.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade