Shipping Officer Contractor

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL); Guildford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

SSTL is seeking a proactive Shipping & Logistics professional to manage the movement of high‑value satellite components across the UK and internationally. You will coordinate all shipping operations to ensure secure, timely transport of parts while maintaining export control compliance.

You will work in a small, fast-paced team based at our Guildford head office, interfacing with suppliers, engineering, and procurement to align deliveries with build schedules and project timelines.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years in a logistics or shipping role, preferably in aerospace, defence, or high-tech manufacturing.
• UK customs, export control (SPIRE), and international freight regulations.
• Familiarity with ERP or inventory systems; confident with Microsoft Excel and shipment tracking platforms. SAP S/4HANA is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Organise domestic and international shipments of satellite components, ground equipment, and support materials; manage couriers and freight forwarders; monitor transit timelines.
• Prepare and manage shipping documents (invoices, packing lists, export control paperwork) for UK and international shipments.
• Coordinate inbound logistics, maintain accurate records of received parts and equipment, and align deliveries with build schedules.
• Act as logistics point of contact between suppliers, internal teams, and external partners; communicate status and delays promptly.
• Evaluate and suggest process improvements for efficiency and cost control; maintain relationships with logistics providers.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Clear communication

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Logistics, Business, Supply Chain, Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/inventory systems

Excel

SAP S/4HANA

Job description

• This roles sits inside IR35

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Shipping & Logistics professional to manage the movement of sensitive, high-value components and equipment across the UK and internationally. Working within a small but fast-paced satellite company, you will coordinate all shipping & logistics operations to ensure the secure and timely transportation of parts, subsystems, and final payloads while maintaining full compliance with export control and aerospace industry standards.

Key Tasks

Shipping & Transportation Coordination

• Organise domestic and international shipments of satellite components, ground equipment, and support materials. Select and manage relationships with specialist couriers and freight forwarders. Monitor transit timelines and ensure secure handling of sensitive payloads.

Export/Import & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage all shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and export control paperwork.
• Ensure compliance with UK customs regulations & work within the Compliance Team to ensure full compliance with all UK Export Control (SPIRE & LITE), and relevant ITAR/EAR requirements.
• Liaise with customs brokers and government bodies as required.

Inventory & Warehouse Support

• Coordinate inbound logistics and maintain accurate records of parts and equipment received.
• Support stock control and interface with engineering and procurement teams to align deliveries with build schedules.
• Oversee packaging and labelling in accordance with aerospace and transport standards.

Cross-Functional Communication

• Act as the logistics point of contact between suppliers, internal technical teams, and external partners.
• Communicate shipment status and flag delays or issues promptly.
• Participate in project planning meetings to forecast shipping needs.

Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate shipping and logistics processes and suggest improvements for efficiency and cost control.
• Maintain relationships with logistics providers to support agile project delivery.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Previous Experience

2-5+ years in a logistics or shipping role, preferably in aerospace, defence, or high-tech manufacturing.

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

• HNC/HND or Degree in Logistics, Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
• UK customs, export control (SPIRE), and international freight regulations.
• ITAR/EAR (preferred but not essential if willing to learn).
• Familiarity with ERP or inventory systems; confident with Microsoft Excel and shipment tracking platforms. Experience with SAPS/4HANA Business systems an advantage.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Able to work independently and thrive in a small, dynamic team.
• Clear & confident communicator with a problem-solving mindset.

Working Environment

• Small team environment with significant autonomy and cross-functional exposure.
• May require occasional travel to supplier sites, logistics hubs, or launch support locations.

Location

The role is based in our Head Office in Guildford.