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.

 

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