A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Mission Operations Engineer to join a growing and dynamic space engineering team in Harwell, supporting current and future orbital missions.
This position offers the chance to take a leading role in all phases of mission operations, from feasibility and early development, through LEOP, routine operations, and end-of-life management. It’s a broad and varied role that combines responsibilities across mission planning, spacecraft operations, systems engineering, and mission management.
You’ll be part of a small, highly skilled team developing and operating next-generation space missions — with the freedom to innovate, drive improvements, and shape the operational approach across a growing fleet of spacecraft.
For this role we can consider visa sponsorship and relocation support.
What You’ll Do
Act as an operations technical lead across multiple missions and projects.
Provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced operations engineers.
Perform real-time spacecraft operations during routine and critical mission phases.
Develop and maintain mission operations procedures, validation tests, and tools.
Contribute to planning, scheduling, and coordination with spacecraft engineering, flight dynamics, and ground systems teams.
Prepare mission documentation, including user manuals and operations plans.
Support development of mission operations concepts and operability requirements.
Lead anomaly investigations, performance monitoring, and trend analysis.
Participate in 24/7 operations shifts during key mission events as required.
What You’ll Bring
Degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
5–10 years of satellite industry experience, ideally in real-time spacecraft operations for LEO missions.
Strong understanding of satellite subsystems (AOCS/GNC or OBDH advantageous).
Hands-on experience with mission control systems, operations tools, and simulators.
Proven ability to perform under pressure and manage anomalies calmly and effectively.
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to develop and deliver innovative operations concepts for multi-satellite missions.
Confident communicator, fluent in English (CEFR Level B2 / TOEIC 700+).
Desirable Skills
Experience with SCOS-2000 mission control systems.
Knowledge of systems engineering principles for operations.
Familiarity with formation flying or close-proximity satellite operations.
Understanding of flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, and ECSS operations standards.
What’s on Offer
Flexible and hybrid working environment.
Opportunities to work on cutting-edge space missions and technologies.
Relocation and visa sponsorship support where applicable.
25 days’ annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays.
Private healthcare, life insurance, and long-term sick pay.
Modern facilities including new office and cleanroom.
Friendly, collaborative, and international team culture.
If you’re passionate about space operations, thrive in dynamic mission environments, and want to play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable space missions, we’d love to hear from you.
RW