Job Opportunity: Ground Systems Team Lead

We are seeking a Ground Systems Team Lead to join a cutting-edge organization at the forefront of space technology.

This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to manage a talented team while contributing technical expertise to the development and maintenance of ground segment systems crucial for mission operations.

The position provides significant autonomy and responsibility, including mentoring team members and collaborating across teams to ensure mission success.

Role Overview As the Ground Systems Team Lead, you will oversee the complete ground segment development lifecycle, from conceptual design through to maintenance and operational support.

You will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless integration between mission systems and operational teams, providing technical leadership and supporting the organization’s control center activities.

Key Responsibilities

- Technical Development:

- Design, develop, validate, and maintain ground segment software subsystems to support mission operations.

- Generate and update software and project-related documentation.

- Contribute to system design, including requirements capture, use-case development, and testing.

- Define software engineering approaches and oversee the implementation of solutions.

- Support ground segment verification, validation, and integration activities.

- Operational Support:

- Participate in mission system tests and simulation campaigns.

- Resolve technical issues, provide best-practice advice, and deliver training to operational teams.

- Team Leadership:

- Lead the development of mission-critical systems, including Mission Control, Mission Planning, and Ground Stations Interface.

- Act as a liaison with external suppliers, serving as a Product Owner or Technical Officer.

- Implement Agile (SCRUM) methodologies to ensure timely and effective project delivery.

- Maintain ground systems and facilitate communication between operations and development teams.

- Line manage team members, including conducting appraisals, resolving blockers, and prioritizing workloads.

- Plan technical work assignments, considering team members’ skills and capabilities.

- Oversee the team’s technical output, ensuring quality and consistency.

- Identify skillset and resource gaps within the team and work with leadership to address these needs.

- Recruitment and Development:

- Support recruitment efforts by reviewing CVs and conducting interviews.

- Develop plans for team member skill enhancement and professional growth.

Essential Skills and Experience

- University degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related engineering field.

- 3-5 years’ experience in software development and software engineering.

- Proven experience in designing and developing satellite user or ground segment systems.

- Proficiency in C/C++, Java, or Python programming.

- Familiarity with Linux system administration and development tools (shell scripts, make, etc.).

- Hands-on experience with Mission Control Systems (preferably SCOS-2000).

- Strong understanding of ground segment components and their interactions.

- Team leadership experience, with the ability to manage and mentor software engineers.

- Knowledge of ECSS standards.

- Fluency in spoken and written English.

Desirable Skills

- Familiarity with Agile methodologies (SCRUM) as part of a development team or as a Product Owner.

- Knowledge of spacecraft communication protocols and standards (e.g., CCSDS, CAN, SpaceWire).

Benefits

- Competitive salary package.

- Work with a highly skilled, international team using cutting-edge technology.

- Flexible working hours in a supportive environment.

- Hybrid working options available (role-dependent).

- Optional 9/75 working fortnight.

- 25 days holiday (increasing with tenure) plus bank holidays.

- Life insurance and long-term sick pay.

- Private healthcare (taxable benefit).

- Relocation support available.

- Visa sponsorship available for eligible candidates.

- Access to a new state-of-the-art office and cleanroom facility.

- Regular social events.

Location Based in Harwell, UK, with potential travel to Japan and other locations as required.

About the Organization This organization is a global leader dedicated to developing sustainable space systems and ensuring the safe and sustainable development of space for future generations.

With a focus on innovation, it offers a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from diverse candidates.

Take the next step in your career by leading a team that’s shaping the future of space technology.

Apply today!