Ground Segment Software Team Lead

This is a rare opportunity to join a fast-growing space technology organisation tackling one of the most critical challenges facing the industry today, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space operations. You’ll play a key role in developing advanced ground segment systems that support cutting-edge satellite missions. We’re looking for an experienced Ground Segment Software Team Lead to drive both the technical direction and people leadership of a high-performing engineering team. This role combines hands-on software development with system-level thinking and team management responsibility. You will lead the development of ground segment software used to operate complex space missions, contributing to system architecture, overseeing delivery, and ensuring high-quality, reliable solutions. Alongside your technical responsibilities, you’ll manage and mentor a team of engineers, supporting their growth and performance. Key Responsibilities - Lead the design, development, validation, and maintenance of ground segment software systems - Contribute to system architecture and high-level design decisions - Capture and define requirements, translating them into use cases and user stories - Oversee software development, integration, testing, and deployment activities - Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and aligned with requirements - Support system verification, validation, and integration activities - Contribute to mission system testing and simulation campaigns - Collaborate with operations teams to troubleshoot issues and provide technical guidance - Manage project work packages, timelines, and delivery milestones - Lead and develop a team of software engineers, including performance reviews and day-to-day support Essential Skills & Experience - Degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related engineering discipline - Proven experience across the full software development lifecycle (requirements through to maintenance) - Strong background in satellite ground segment or mission control systems - Experience designing and developing complex software systems for space or similar domains - Proficiency in Java and/or Python - Experience working in Linux environments, including shell scripting - Familiarity with Mission Control Systems (e.g. SCOS-2000 or similar) - Understanding of software engineering best practices and project lifecycle processes - Experience leading or mentoring engineering teams - Knowledge of ECSS standards - Familiarity with containerisation and cloud technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) Desirable Experience - Background in spacecraft operations or close collaboration with operations teams - Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments - Knowledge of spacecraft communication protocols (e.g. CCSDS, CAN, SpaceWire) What’s on Offer - Hybrid and flexible working arrangements - 25 days holiday (increasing with service) + bank holidays - Private healthcare and life insurance - Long-term sick pay - Optional compressed working pattern (9/75) - Relocation support and visa sponsorship available (where applicable) - Modern office and engineering facilities - Collaborative, international team environment - Regular social and team events About the Opportunity You’ll be joining an organisation at the forefront of next-generation space technology, working on mission-critical systems that support the future of satellite operations. This is a chance to make a tangible impact in a highly innovative and purpose-driven environment, while leading a team at the cutting edge of ground segment software engineering.   TT