Open Cosmos is revolutionising the way space technology is used.

Driven by the vision of making space accessible to anyone, we provide simple and affordable space missions using nanosatellite technology. We went from design to delivery of our first nanosatellite qb01 in only four months, followed by its launch and deployment in LEO early April 2017.

The company is currently developing the next generation of satellites and end-to-end services for private and institutional customers to be launched in 2018. Based in the Harwell-Oxford Campus in the UK, we are a young and ambitious team with experience in the aerospace, electronics and software industries. To support our growth and make our vision a reality we are looking for the brightest minds and the best talents in every domain.

The following job opportunity is available:

Description of the position

The successful candidate will be in charge of leading the preparation and execution of all mission operations that Open Cosmos will follow. The successful candidate will not only have direct responsibilities over post-launch spacecraft operations planning and execution but also will have to follow and support the qbee design team to ensure that outstanding levels of operability are met.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support in mission systems engineering:
  • Drive Failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) of the entire mission (including Spacecraft Constellation, Ground Station Network, Data Communications Network, Data Centres and qbapp OPS Software) and report to HOs Systems Engineering and Mission Operations about FMECA findings
  • Influence technical design and development of the mission systems to ensure high standards of operational excellence
  • Definition and analysis of all operational scenarios
  • Identification and analysis of all mission operational constraints
• Preparation for in-flight operations:
  • Definition of nominal Flight Operational Procedures
  • Definition of contingency Flight Operational Procedures
  • Detailed definition of Mission Operations timeline
  • Preparation and maintenance of Spacecraft User Manuals for operators
• Real-time in-flight operations:
  • Support to real-time operations team as Spacecraft Analyst and/or Spacecraft Controller
  • Analysis of spacecraft data trends and extraction of conclusions
  • Management of Contingency Rehearsal Training Sessions

Skills, attitude, competencies and experience

• Experience in real-time spacecraft operations (preferably LEO operations)
• Experience in spacecraft systems engineering
• Deep understanding of orbital mechanics
• Experience in Python programming language
• Familiar with Java
• Familiar with Git
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to cope with pressure while delivering at the highest performance and quality
• Quick learner
• Lean / bootstrap mentality
• Self-driven attitude with problem-solving mentality
• Ready to work for some periods of time under a 24/7 shift rota
• Ready to be in a 24/7 on-call service to assist contingency operations

Nice to have

• Experience in space systems engineering