Mission Operations Preparation Team Lead full_time

The Astroscale Mission Operations department is structured into two teams, Mission Operations and Operations Preparation. This role covers the leadership of the Operations Preparation aspects of our work.

This position focuses on the ‘missionisation’ of Astroscale UK’s projects, enabling successful mission execution by developing achievable mission operations concepts which address both operability requirements and mission constraints. To do this, close integration with system and sub-system engineers from both space and ground segments is essential.

Extensive knowledge of mission operations as well as collaboration with the Mission Operations Team are needed for this role. An understanding of the needs and constraints of operating a rendezvous mission, and the ability to contextualise the downstream impact of design or concept choices made in early mission phases are key requisites. As the Astroscale UK mission operations scenario evolves into multi-mission and fleet operations the Operations Preparation Team Lead will be responsible for representing the changing needs of the Ops Team with internal and external partners and providers, proposing and implementing solutions in our concept of operations.

Knowledge of all space and ground segment elements and their interfaces is expected. An emphasis on functional avionics, specifically the integration of flight software, FDIR functionality, mission control software is fundamental to the role. The role includes leading the Operations Preparation Team to enable them to perform at a high level across a board range of activities and missions.

Responsibilities 

General Responsibilities

• Act as Team Lead for ASUK Mission Operations Preparation Team.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to team members via collaborative involvement in ongoing projects and missions.
• Lead the provision of operational aspects, constraints, requirements and experience into ASUK mission development.
• Communicate the operational needs to space and ground segment design.
• Define and plan operational system testing (e.g. SVTs) for execution in collaboration with the Mission Operations Team. Assess test execution, investigate and resolve issues and report.
• Contribute to the development of mission operations concepts, mission review cycles (PDR, CDR, GSQR, ORR etc), reliably predicting and addressing operational concerns during the mission development process.
• Define operability requirements and user stories, to support design of Space segment
• (Software elements, system / subsystem element, FDIR concept), Ground System, Simulator, Flight operations tools, & Mission Automation.
• In collaboration with space segment engineers, lead the preparation of spacecraft user manuals and other operations documentation.
• Provide inputs to, and follow, SATSIM development. Act as SIM officer if required.
• Provide operations expertise at system, subsystem and unit level, supporting ongoing mission development, bid proposals and other activities as required.
• Investigate spacecraft anomalies and participate in anomaly resolution process.
• Propose and develop operational solutions to enable a small team of engineers to control multiple in-flight spacecraft with minimal workload overhead. The ability to envisage novel operational approaches will be required.
• Support Mission Operation team in Procedure testing and ensure full validation on an agreed test setup.
• Support Mission execution team and team training in preparation to launch.
• Participate and actively contribute to Reviews and CCB.
• Contribute to the definition and development of Astroscale UK’s operations centre.
• Provide engineering support during Mission Execution and Anomaly investigation.

Team Lead Function-Specific Responsibilities

• Line management of team members and team coordination, task prioritisation according to project needs, conducting appraisals.
• Overall responsibility for the team’s technical output.
• Identify skillset and headcount/labour shortfalls in context of current and upcoming team workload, working with Group Manager to address resource shortfalls.
• Support team development, training and recruitment processes.
• Identify and resolve key technical and schedule risks in your team’s plans.
• Scope and cost new project work packages assigned to your team.

Essential Skills

• University degree in a relevant engineering discipline;
• 10+ years of demonstrable space mission industry experience, including real-
• time operations as part of a flight control team operating a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mission through the complete life cycle. Space and ground segment engineering experience is also beneficial.
• Experience of Mission Phases 0/A to F, and the operational inputs and responsibilities associated with each
• Comprehensive knowledge of satellite subsystems, in particular AOCS/GNC or OBDH/CDH
• Familiarity of the operation of Mission Control systems (preferably SCOS-2000 based), mission planning processes, flight procedure development and automation, monitoring and control, on-board software management, configuration management of operational products and simulator facilities
• Knowledge of ‘Functional Avionics’ and the conceptualisation of how to use OBSW and ground systems to fulfil a mission in accordance with operational constraints
• Experience in leading the conceptualisation of the fulfilment of a CONOPS, as well as the identification and resolution of missing functionalities or interfaces at segment level
• Knowledge of standards ECSS, CCSDS, PUS etc
• Ability to generate operational requirements, negotiate and influence compliance and verification methods, and mitigate the impact of any non-compliances
• Experience representing operational concerns and constraints during a mission development program, engaging with other teams to influence key decisions
• Experience supporting critical mission phases as Spacecraft Team Lead or similar, providing coordinated, timely and accurate input to mission operations team
• Detail oriented and able to work using own initiative with limited supervision, as well as alongside other team members
• Able to conceptualise non-standard spacecraft operations practices in order to meet the demands of Astroscale’s multiple parallel projects and missions with a very small team of engineers
• An effective English language communicator at all levels with skills to CEFR Level B2-Independent User or TOEIC 700+

Desirable skills

• Familiarity with mission control systems, preferably SCOS-2000 based
• Experience with systems engineering aspects of mission development
• Experience dealing with Agency oversight and involvement in a mission development program
• Experience of formation flying or close proximity satellite operations will be advantageous
• Familiarity of requirements management tools
• Software coding experience
• Knowledge of flight dynamics and orbital mechanics
• Familiarity of relevant ECSS standards relating to Ground Systems and Operations
• Experience leading a team in an operations preparation context

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Opportunity to work with a highly talented, diverse & dynamic international team with cutting edge technology
• Flexible working around core hours in a friendly and supportive environment
• Hybrid working available (dependent on individual role requirements)
• 25 days holiday (increasing yearly up to a maximum of 28 days) + 8 days Bank Holiday
• Life insurance and long-term sick pay
• Private healthcare (taxable benefit)
• Relocation allowance
• Visa sponsorship for employees considered
• New state of the art office and cleanroom facility
• Regular social events 

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell).

About Astroscale

We aim to deliver cutting edge technologies that will become part of routine commercial space operations by 2030.

Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the only company dedicated to in-orbit servicing across all orbits. Founded in 2013, we are developing innovative and scalable solutions across the spectrum of in-orbit servicing missions, including End of Life services, Active Debris Removal, In-situ Space Situational Awareness and Life Extension Services, to create sustainable space systems and mitigate against the hazardous build-up of debris in space.

Astroscale is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note to recruitment agencies: Astroscale operates a preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency approaches. Please do not forward candidate CVs or details in response to this advert, or to any Astroscale employee.