Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Glasgow, UK)

AAC Clyde Space; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AAC Clyde Space seeks a proactive Spacecraft Operations Engineer to lead commissioning, command and monitor missions from our Glasgow site. You will plan daily operations, lead in-orbit tests and drive improvements with the ground segment team.

Ideal candidates have Earth Observation familiarity, strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset. The role involves occasional out-of-hours work and on-call support in a hybrid Glasgow environment.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including on-call shifts.
• Experience operating spacecraft in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent technical writing and documentation abilities.
• Proficient in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commissioning of spacecraft from launch to nominal operations.
• Plan, prepare and execute in-orbit tests.
• Participate in ground testing, operations rehearsals, and readiness reviews.
• Support ground-segment system design for service and data delivery.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and documentation.
• Monitor health and operation of existing missions.
• Coordinate short- and long-term activity plans to meet requirements.
• Investigate in-orbit anomalies and implement preventive measures.
• Take ownership of KPIs and drive continual service improvements.
• Report to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Develop documentation and processes per regulations and licencing.

Skills

Spacecraft operations

On-call shifts

Problem solving

Satellites knowledge

Technical writing

English proficiency

Stakeholder management

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent work experience

Job description

We are seeking a proactive and highly motivated Spacecraft Operations Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will lead spacecraft commissioning activities for new missions, command and monitor spacecraft, and plan and execute daily mission operations.

Key responsibilities include conducting in-orbit testing and validation of newly launched spacecraft, monitoring mission performance and KPIs, and driving continuous improvements to operational efficiency. You will work closely with our ground segment team to develop and enhance automation capabilities, investigate and resolve in-orbit anomalies, develop operational procedures and documentation, and support spacecraft integration and ground test campaigns.

The ideal candidate will have experience in spacecraft operations with an Earth Observation background, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative mindset are essential for success in the role.

The role is based on site in Glasgow where Hybrid Working is available. The role will require occasional ad-hoc out of hours working to resolve live issues, and rota-based on-call support during the week and on weekends.

Please note that in future, you may be required to complete a Basic Disclosure check (https://www.mygov.scot/apply-for-level-1-disclosure)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commissioning of our spacecrafts from launch to commencement of nominal operations.
• Plan, prepare and execute in-orbit tests.
• Participate in ground testing, operations rehearsals, and readiness reviews.
• Support the design of mission‑specific ground segment systems for service and data delivery.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and other documentation.
• Monitor and ensure continued operation and health of existing missions.
• Coordinate short‑and long‑term activity plans to meet mission and customer requirements.
• Investigate and resolve in‑orbit anomalies identify trends and implement preventive measures.
• Take ownership of KPIs and the continual improvement of our services.
• Report both internally, and to our customers.
• Develop documentation and processes according to regulations and licencing requirements.

Skills Required

• Relevant degree or equivalent work experience [KB1]
• Ability to work flexibly, including during off‑hours or on‑call shifts.
• Demonstrated industry experience in a similar environment
• Proven ability to effectively identify and debug issues with existing or new software
• Basic understanding of satellites and the space industry.
• Technical report and procedure writing to a high standard
• Quick thinking and ability to remain calm under pressure, for example during live satellite communication passes
• Excellent analytical with high attention to detail and problem‑solving skills with a structured and methodical approach.
• Confident working with stakeholders, customers and suppliers with demonstrable commercial experience
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and interpersonal abilities for professional settings and standards.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams and projects in a dynamic, deadline‑driven environment.
• Competent IT skills including Microsoft software.
• Proficient in English, both verbally and written.

Skills Desired

• Knowledge of space mission analysis and spacecraft design
• Experience of scripting or automation tools (primarily Python)
• Experience of RF / DSP engineering applied to space communications
• Experience of testing or operating a spacecraft at system/mission level
• Experience with flight dynamics, constellation management or mission planning
• Previous experience of working with small/medium sized company

About Aac Clyde Space

AAC Clyde Space provides small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space. Covering satellite components, mission services and space‑based data delivery, the company offers end‑to‑end solutions that turn space‑based intelligence into real‑world impact. Applications include weather monitoring, maritime safety, security and defence, agriculture and forestry.

AAC Clyde Space is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, with operations also in the UK, Netherlands, South Africa and the USA. The company’s shares are traded on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm (Ticker: AAC) and on the US OTCQX Market (OTCQX: ACCMF).

Some of our clients include Horizon Technologies, Orbcomm, OHB Sweden, Intuitive Machines, Clearspace, Astroscale, the United States Airforce Academy, UK Space Agency, Swedish National Space Agency, European Space Agency and NASA.

Data Protection Policy

As part of our recruitment process, we collect and process personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use this data, please click here to see our job applicant privacy notice.

Right to Work

AAC Clyde Space has a legal responsibility to ensure that all its employees have the legal right to live and work in the EU or the country in which they plan to work. Therefore, if you are made an offer of employment, this will be subject to AAC Clyde Space verifying that you are eligible to work in that country before you start work.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We aim to create a positive recruitment and selection experience across every part of our business. The company is committed to handling applications to a consistently high standard and all candidates with dignity and respect. Those involved in the recruitment and selection process will act with integrity, objectivity and professionalism. We are committed to equal opportunities for all and to have diversity reflected within our global workforce. We believe its diversity and inclusion will allow for greater creativity and innovation to help AAC Clyde Space Group deliver the vision to help improve life on earth.

Openness to Flexible Working

We recognise work‑life balance is important so we are open to discussions around flexible working, depending on the nature of the role and business needs. If you would like to know more, please ask the Hiring Manager during any recruitment process that you may be involved in.