Senior Mission Operations Engineer

ZipRecruiter; England; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative space organization in the UK is on the lookout for a skilled Senior Mission Operations Engineer. This role offers a unique chance to lead and shape the future of satellite missions within a small, dynamic team. You'll be at the forefront of mission design, execution, and innovation, contributing to all phases of spacecraft life cycles. With a focus on real-time operations and anomaly resolution, this position is perfect for someone eager to make a significant impact in the exciting realm of space operations. Join us and help define the future of space sustainability!

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Hybrid work model

25 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Life insurance

Long-term sick pay

Regular team social events

Relocation support

Visa sponsorship

Modern office facilities

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of spacecraft operations experience, ideally in Low Earth Orbit missions.
• Deep understanding of satellite subsystems, especially AOCS, GNC, or OBDH.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations activities across multiple missions, from concept to execution.
• Act as technical lead and mentor for junior team members.

Skills

Spacecraft Operations

Mission Planning

Real-time Spacecraft Control

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Engineering

Tools

SCOS-2000

Mission Planning Tools

Spacecraft Simulator Tools

Job description

Job Description

A cutting-edge space organisation in the UK is seeking an experienced Senior Mission Operations Engineer to play a pivotal role in multiple ongoing and future satellite missions. This is a rare opportunity for a mission operations expert to step into a senior, multi-faceted position within a small, highly skilled team – working across mission design, planning, execution, and innovation.

You’ll lead technical operations and contribute to all phases of spacecraft life cycles – from feasibility studies and launch to end-of-life decommissioning. The role combines responsibilities typically split across spacecraft operators, mission managers, analysts, and systems engineers, making it ideal for someone looking to broaden their impact and shape the future of space operations.

(Relocation support & visa sponsorship can be provided if required)

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead operations activities across multiple missions, from concept to execution
• Act as technical lead and mentor for junior team members
• Contribute to operations planning, procedure development, and training
• Perform real-time and critical spacecraft operations
• Act as Mission Manager, Systems Operations Engineer, or Spacecraft Controller depending on mission needs
• Lead anomaly investigations and performance trend analysis
• Help design innovative, scalable operational concepts that enable a small team to manage multiple spacecraft efficiently
• Participate in mission reviews (PDR, CDR, ORR), training campaigns, and simulator rehearsals

What You’ll Bring:

• Degree in a relevant engineering discipline
• 5–10 years of spacecraft operations experience, ideally in Low Earth Orbit missions
• Deep understanding of satellite subsystems (especially AOCS, GNC, or OBDH)
• Strong skills in real-time spacecraft control, mission planning, and on-board software management
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities under pressure
• Experience with anomaly resolution, spacecraft performance reporting, and mission planning tools
• Independent and team-focused, with excellent communication skills (English CEFR B2+ or TOEIC 700+)

It Would Be Great If You Also Have:

• Experience with SCOS-2000 mission control systems
• Background in systems engineering or mission concept development
• Familiarity with close-proximity or formation-flying missions
• Understanding of ECSS standards and flight dynamics
• Knowledge of spacecraft simulator tools and operability assessment processes

What’s On Offer:

• Flexible working around core hours & optional 9/75 working pattern
• Hybrid work model
• 25 days annual leave & 8 UK Bank Holidays
• Private healthcare, life insurance & long-term sick pay
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship
• Modern office and cleanroom facilities
• Regular team social events
• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge missions shaping the future of space sustainability

If you’re ready to shape the future of in-orbit servicing and want to apply your mission operations expertise to real-world challenges in a collaborative and ambitious environment, we’d love to hear from you.