Senior Ground Systems Engineer in UNITED KINGDOM

Steele Charles is delighted to be representing another unique opportunity to join a fast-paced and innovative organisation in the space industry.

The Senior Ground Systems Engineer will play a leading role in developing and maintaining cutting-edge ground segment systems, with high levels of autonomy and responsibility. This position combines technical expertise with mentoring, providing involvement across the entire lifecycle of ground segment development—from conceptual design to operational maintenance.

This role is critical in ensuring seamless integration between mission systems, operations, and infrastructure. The successful candidate will contribute to ground-breaking projects, supporting a safer and more sustainable future in space.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and integration of Ground Segment subsystems: Mission Control, Procedure Automation, Mission Planning, and Ground Station Interface systems.
• Troubleshoot ground segment functionality, including fault identification, isolation, and rectification.
• Capture and analyse system requirements, define Ground Segment specifications, and derive subsystem requirements.
• Provide expertise in technical discussions and ensure compatibility between the Ground Segment and wider mission systems.
• Collaborate with IT and infrastructure teams to implement Ground System environments and operational solutions.
• Act as a Product Owner or Technical Officer, supporting both internal software teams and external suppliers during subsystem development.
• Create and maintain high-quality project documentation, including design, interface, and test specifications.
• Define and oversee testing strategies, contributing to verification, integration, validation, simulation, and operational testing.
• Support the Mission Operations team through training and technical knowledge sharing.
• Perform ongoing ground system maintenance and act as a liaison between operations and development teams.
• Follow Agile (SCRUM) methodology to implement requirements and meet schedules.
• Contribute to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and evaluate supplier bids.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• 3+ years’ experience in ground segment or ground system development for space missions.
• 5+ years’ experience within the space sector.
• Strong knowledge of ground segment components, including mission control, automation, planning systems, and flight dynamics.
• Familiarity with CCSDS standards for space-to-ground communications.
• Experience in requirement engineering and testing campaigns (verification, validation, and integration).
• Degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a relevant engineering discipline.
• Team-oriented, proactive, with excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with Mission Control Systems (e.g., SCOS-2000).
• Knowledge of space-to-ground communications and RF systems, including SLE protocols.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Experience using requirement management tools like Visure or DOORS.
• Understanding of Agile (SCRUM) methodology and Python scripting.
• Proficiency in Linux system administration and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
• Knowledge of ECSS standards and satellite operations.

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive base salary and benefits package.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous holiday allowance (25 days plus 8 Bank Holidays).
• Private healthcare, life insurance, and long-term sick pay.
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship (if required).
• State-of-the-art office and cleanroom facilities.
• Opportunities to work with a talented, international team using cutting-edge technology.
• Regular social events and a supportive, inclusive environment.