Senior Mission Operations Engineer

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