Senior Mission Operations Manager Uk Visa Sponsorship

Job Description

Senior Mission Operations Engineer
Location: Harwell, UK | Hybrid Working | Visa Sponsorship Available

Overview
Astroscale UK is seeking a highly experienced and driven Senior Mission Operations Engineer to join our growing team in Harwell. This role is central to the planning, execution, and evolution of current and upcoming in-orbit servicing missions such as ELSA-M and COSMIC. You’ll be involved in every phase of mission operations—from concept and development to execution and decommissioning—offering a truly end-to-end experience.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an operations professional looking to broaden their impact and grow into a leadership role. You will operate across multiple mission domains, stepping into responsibilities traditionally distributed across multiple roles including Spacecraft Operator, Systems Engineer, Mission Manager, and Operations Planner. We’re looking for a multidisciplinary expert with a passion for innovation and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as technical operations lead across missions, projects, and operational phases
• Support and mentor junior team members through direct collaboration and coaching
• Conduct both routine and critical real-time spacecraft operations
• Rotate between key roles during mission execution (Mission Manager, SOE, SpaCon, etc.) to ensure team resilience
• Develop and maintain mission operations procedures, manuals, and supporting documentation
• Design and validate operational tools, scripts, and automation solutions
• Participate in spacecraft anomaly investigations and lead resolution activities
• Provide input into mission planning, satellite system design, FDIR, and software functionality
• Take part in operations preparation and simulations, including rehearsals and training
• Interface with cross-functional teams including flight dynamics, ground systems, engineering, and external ground station providers
• Support industry and customer audits, and participate in mission design reviews (PDR, CDR, ORR, etc.)
• Contribute to Space Situational Awareness projects and multi-agency collaborations
• Propose and implement novel operations strategies to enable efficient management of a growing satellite fleet by a small team
• Participate in on-call rotations and occasional 24/7 shifts during mission-critical phases

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering or a relevant technical discipline
• 5–10 years of experience in satellite operations, preferably in LEO missions and across full mission life cycles
• Strong knowledge of satellite subsystems, especially AOCS/GNC or OBDH
• Proven experience in spacecraft control rooms or mission control centres
• Proficient in the use of mission control systems, including procedure development, planning, software management, and simulation tools
• Experience in anomaly detection, root cause analysis, and resolution
• Ability to remain composed and accurate under pressure during time-critical operations
• Strong communication skills (CEFR Level B2 / TOEIC 700+)
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Creative thinker able to design and execute innovative operational concepts

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with SCOS-2000 or similar mission control systems
• Experience in close-proximity or formation-flying satellite operations
• Knowledge of ECSS standards relevant to ground systems and operations
• Exposure to flight dynamics and orbital mechanics
• Familiarity with mission operations preparation tools and processes
• Background in systems engineering within a spacecraft operations context

Why Astroscale?

• Competitive salary
• Private healthcare (taxable benefit)
• Life insurance and long-term sick pay
• 25 days holiday (increasing with service) + 8 bank holidays
• Optional 9/75 working pattern and flexible hours
• Hybrid working options
• Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship
• New state-of-the-art office and cleanroom facility
• Regular social events
• Work alongside a cutting-edge international team shaping the future of sustainable space

About Astroscale
Astroscale is the first private company solely dedicated to in-orbit servicing across all orbits. Our vision is to make space safe and sustainable for future generations by developing solutions for End-of-Life services, Active Debris Removal, In-situ SSA, and Life Extension missions. Headquartered in Japan with offices worldwide, Astroscale is pioneering the next generation of space infrastructure.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and value diversity at every level of our organisation. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Please note: We operate a preferred supplier list and do not accept unsolicited agency CVs.