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