Senior Mission Operations Preparation Engineer

Holt Executive; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Life insurance

Relocation support

Visa sponsorship considered

25 days annual leave + holidays

Optional 9-day fortnight

Job summary

Holt Executive is seeking a Senior Mission Operations Preparation Engineer to help design, prepare, and execute spacecraft missions. You will translate requirements into operational concepts, work with software, systems, AIT, and flight operations teams, and contribute to mission readiness through documentation, testing, and tooling.

The role offers a flexible hybrid working environment in the space sector, with opportunities to influence mission outcomes and work across engineering disciplines.

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering, Physics, or another relevant technical discipline.
• Strong experience within the satellite or space industry, ideally across spacecraft operations, mission preparation, or systems engineering.
• Understanding of spacecraft operational concepts and the complete mission lifecycle.
• Experience working with space standards and engineering processes.
• Familiarity with mission control environments and spacecraft operations tools.
• Experience creating, reviewing, and validating spacecraft procedures.
• Exposure to spacecraft testing, integration, and verification activities.
• Scripting experience using languages such as Python, TCL, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational engineering activities for spacecraft missions during development and preparation phases.
• Translate mission and spacecraft requirements into practical operational concepts and solutions.
• Work closely with engineering teams to ensure spacecraft designs are operable and support successful mission delivery.
• Develop and maintain operational documentation, procedures, and supporting materials.
• Support spacecraft simulator activities, mission databases, and operational tooling.
• Contribute to system‑level testing, validation campaigns, and mission readiness activities.
• Help define and improve processes, tools, and approaches used to support spacecraft operations.
• Collaborate with flight operations teams during mission preparation and execution phases.
• Provide technical support during spacecraft operations, including anomaly investigations where required.

Skills

Python

TCL

Space industry experience

Operational concepts

Education

Engineering degree

Physics degree

Tools

Mission control tools

Spacecraft procedures tools

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Mission Operations Preparation Engineer to join an innovative space technology organisation working on the development and operation of next-generation satellite missions.

This role is ideal for an experienced spacecraft operations or systems engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of engineering, mission design, and operational delivery. You will play a key role in ensuring spacecraft and ground systems are ready for successful mission execution, working closely with teams across software, systems, AIT, and flight operations.

You will be involved throughout the mission lifecycle, helping to define operational strategies, develop procedures and tools, support testing activities, and prepare teams for spacecraft operations.

This is a highly collaborative role suited to someone who is technically curious, enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, and wants to make a tangible contribution to ambitious space missions.

Visa sponsorship and relocation support available for suitable candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational engineering activities for spacecraft missions during development and preparation phases.
• Translate mission and spacecraft requirements into practical operational concepts and solutions.
• Work closely with engineering teams to ensure spacecraft designs are operable and support successful mission delivery.
• Develop and maintain operational documentation, procedures, and supporting materials.
• Support spacecraft simulator activities, mission databases, and operational tooling.
• Contribute to system‑level testing, validation campaigns, and mission readiness activities.
• Help define and improve processes, tools, and approaches used to support spacecraft operations.
• Collaborate with flight operations teams during mission preparation and execution phases.
• Provide technical support during spacecraft operations, including anomaly investigations where required.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree in Engineering, Physics, or another relevant technical discipline.
• Strong experience within the satellite or space industry, ideally across spacecraft operations, mission preparation, or systems engineering.
• Understanding of spacecraft operational concepts and the complete mission lifecycle.
• Experience working with space standards and engineering processes.
• Familiarity with mission control environments and spacecraft operations tools.
• Experience creating, reviewing, and validating spacecraft procedures.
• Exposure to spacecraft testing, integration, and verification activities.
• Scripting experience using languages such as Python, TCL, or similar.
• A proactive approach with the ability to work independently while collaborating across engineering teams.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with spacecraft operations preparation tools.
• Background supporting live spacecraft operations or mission control activities.
• Knowledge of configuration management processes.
• Experience working within complex, multi‑disciplinary engineering environments.

What’s on Offer

• Flexible hybrid working environment.
• Opportunity to work on advanced spacecraft technology and future‑focused missions.
• Supportive and collaborative engineering culture.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
• Optional 9‑day fortnight working pattern.
• Private healthcare and life insurance benefits.
• Relocation support available.
• Visa sponsorship considered for suitable candidates.
• Access to modern engineering facilities and specialist workspace.
• Regular team and company social activities.

If you are an experienced spacecraft operations or systems engineer looking for your next challenge within the space sector, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to exciting missions while working alongside talented engineers developing cutting‑edge technology.