Job Title: Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer

Location: Alton. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: £65,000+ depending on skills and experience

What you’ll be doing:

  • Working with System Engineers to help shape the CONOPS for future missions
  • Identify and communicate spacecraft operations requirements and constraints for missions
  • Support the delivery of internal and external milestone reviews for projects
  • Develop, maintain and review operational procedures, including, but not limited to, flight operations handbooks, verification test procedures and spacecraft commissioning procedures
  • Perform real time spacecraft operations during both routine and critical/anomaly investigation phases
  • Contribute to planning, scheduling, and coordination with system engineers, flight dynamics and ground software teams
  • Support the development and continual improvement of operational tools for the delivery of services to Customers
  • Providing health reports to governing bodies

Your skills and experiences:

  • Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (Aeronautics or Astronautics is preferred)
  • Demonstrable satellite industry experience, ideally in spacecraft operations
  • Strong understanding of satellite subsystems (AOCS/GNC or OBDH advantageous)
  • Knowledge of orbital mechanics and flight dynamics, with experience in formation flying and /or close proximity satellite operations
  • Demonstrated solid systems engineering knowledge (ideally applied to systems involved in space missions)
  • Willing to be a part of an on-call rota

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Spacecraft Operations team:

An exciting opportunity to join a tight knit team providing Spacecraft Operations support to BAE’s existing and future in orbit assets.

The position offers a chance to take a leading role in the full life of a satellite mission, from feasibility, through to on the ground testing, LEOP, routine operations and end-of-life. Providing a vital role for missions, via specialist knowledge, hands on involvement with space on orbit and problem solving in a fast pace environment. The role is varied, combining responsibilities across system engineering, spacecraft operations, mission management and planning.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 5th March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

#LI-RB1

#LI-Hybrid

6_Life-at-BAE-Systems_881206_BAE_Image-Mapping
Company Culture

Life at BAE Systems

Within a growing network of around 100,000 colleagues in more than 40 countries, our teams bring together people with diverse skills, ways of thinking and backgrounds - while our work spans the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space.

Tackling complex problems. Building innovative solutions. This is a place where you can make real change happen, for your career and the world.

Discover more
Want to know more?
11_LIF~1

Inclusion

We want everyone here to feel valued and empowered to thrive. Who you are should never define what you can do. We believe when you bring together different people and perspectives it inspires creativity and drives innovation, helping us fulfil our purpose and is integral to our culture. Everyone is heard and respected here.

Learn more
16_Life-at-BAE-systems-Learning-and-development_881206_BAE_Image-Mapping

Learning and development

If you’re curious, hungry for more responsibility, and prepared to step out of your comfort zone, there are endless opportunities to grow with us. At every stage of your career our first-class training, coaching and development programmes, role models and mentors will help you embrace your potential and take the next step.

Learn more
Rewards and benefits crop

Rewards and benefits

Great work deserves benefits that go beyond your salary. Whether it’s health, wellbeing, or financial security for you and your family – our flexible benefits help you focus on what’s important to you.

Learn more
12_Life-at-BAE-Systems-Making-an-impact_881206_BAE_Image-Mapping

Making an impact

Together we embrace every opportunity to have a positive impact. On the world around us, our communities, and each other.

Learn more