Satellite Flight Operator

Open Cosmos; Harwell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Cosmos seeks a Satellite Flight Operator to join the Mission Operations team. You will run daily satellite operations, monitor health, execute planned activities and respond to anomalies, ensuring safe and reliable missions.

You will work in a real-time environment, interpret telemetry, use Unix tools, and maintain accurate logs while collaborating with a strong, mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of satellite subsystems and orbit behaviour.
• Ability to read and interpret telemetry and indicators.
• Experience in real-time/operational environments requiring accuracy.
• Comfort with Unix command line tools and basic scripting.
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to procedures.
• Calm, reliable under time pressure.
• Clear communication and a team-first mindset.
• Ownership for safe and reliable satellite operations.

Responsibilities

• Running daily and time-critical satellite operations.
• Monitoring telemetry, system performance and overall satellite behaviour.
• Executing planned activities using approved procedures and checklists.
• Acting as the first responder to anomalies or unexpected events.
• Following escalation paths and supporting initial fault investigation.
• Supporting operations during launch, early orbit, commissioning and end-of-life phases.
• Keeping accurate operational logs, reports and shift handovers.
• Working closely with the wider mission operations team to deliver mission objectives.
• Updating procedures, checklists and documentation as systems evolve.
• Feeding back ideas to improve how we operate and monitor our spacecraft.

Skills

Telemetry interpretation

Satellite subsystems knowledge

Unix command line

Scripting basics

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Team mindset

Ownership of operations

Calm under time pressure

Tools

Unix

Scripting basics

Job description

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

Working in our Chief Operating Office (COO)

Our COO Teams are the engine that powers Open Cosmos’ operations. This division brings together mission management, supply chain, and quality & product assurance to make sure every mission is delivered smoothly, reliably, and to the highest standards. They turn plans into action, keeping us efficient and mission-ready at all times.

What You'll Be Doing

As one of our Satellite Flight Operators you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day operation of our satellites, monitoring their health, running scheduled activities and responding quickly when something doesn’t look right. You’ll be part of the Mission Operations team, helping keep our spacecraft safe and our missions on track.

• Running daily and time-critical satellite operations.
• Monitoring telemetry, system performance and overall satellite behaviour.
• Executing planned activities using approved procedures and checklists.
• Acting as the first responder to anomalies or unexpected events.
• Following escalation paths and supporting initial fault investigation.
• Supporting operations during launch, early orbit, commissioning and end-of-life phases.
• Keeping accurate operational logs, reports and shift handovers.
• Working closely with the wider mission operations team to deliver mission objectives.
• Updating procedures, checklists and documentation as systems evolve.
• Feeding back ideas to improve how we operate and monitor our spacecraft.

What You’ll Bring

• A solid understanding of satellite subsystems and how spacecraft behave in orbit.
• The ability to read and interpret telemetry and operational indicators
• Confidence working in a real-time or operational environment where accuracy matters.
• Comfort using Unix command line tools and basic scripting.
• Strong attention to detail and respect for procedures and process.
• A calm, reliable approach when operating under time pressure.
• Clear communication skills and a team-first mindset.
• A strong sense of ownership for safe and reliable satellite operations.

For this role you can be based in any of our locations.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe
• A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges
• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team

Equal opportunity employer

At Open Cosmos, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace built on respect, dignity, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively challenge bias to ensure every candidate and employee feels truly welcome. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.