Spaceflight Operations Engineer
Join the Atmospheric Research and Space Exploration group at The Open University as a Spaceflight Operations Engineer. The role focuses on planning and executing the operations of spaceflight instruments across missions such as ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, JUICE and future high‑resolution imagers.
Contract: Fixed‑term 12 months (12 months from start date). Welsh language not applicable.
Key Responsibilities
* Determine optimal instrument configuration to achieve science objectives.
* Configure telecommands for uplink to spacecraft to implement observations.
* Process data returned from science instruments for analysis by the science team.
* Analyse predicted spacecraft orbit over the mission lifetime.
* Plan future observation requirements.
* Create and maintain technical documentation relating to spaceflight instrument planning and operations.
* Design theoretical models of operation of spaceflight instruments.
* Validate operation of instrument models through experiments and tests.
About You
* Educated to at least degree level in a physical sciences or computing subject, or equivalent experience.
* Excellent knowledge of numerical coding languages; significant experience in Python.
* Experience in processing and manipulating large data sets.
* Demonstrated logical and scientifically rigorous approach to work; ability to solve problems and generate ideas.
* Experience with Fortran, IDL, MATLAB or equivalent programming tools.
* Knowledge of SPICE kernels for orbit analysis.
* Knowledge of optical spectrometer and imager operating principles.
* Experience in telecommand generation and spaceflight instrument operations procedures.
* Experience in PDS data archiving.
What’s in it for you?
The Open University offers a range of benefits, flexible working arrangements and an inclusive work culture. Details of benefits can be found on the Staff Benefits page.
How to apply
* CV
* Supporting statement (≤1000 words) outlining how you meet the essential criteria.
Contact: 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting advert reference number.
#J-18808-Ljbffr