About this job

QinetiQ comprises teams of dedicated people; experts in defence, aerospace, security and related markets. We draw on our extensive technical knowledge and intellectual property to provide the know-how and support to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.  Our people make the critical difference to customers by providing unique approaches to problem solving.

Why don’t you join some of the world’s finest scientific and technical minds and help us make tomorrow work today?

Job description/Person specification

QinetiQ Space, located in Kruibeke, develops scientific experiments for research in space focused on the International Space Station and other microgravity environments. QinetiQ Space is also active in the development of satellites. We wish to strengthen our team with a Satellite Operations Engineer.

Responsibilities

In this position, you are the overall responsible for the operations aspects of a satellite mission, throughout the design & development up-to the launch and the initial operations. This starts with the definition of operational concepts and translation of these concepts into overall operations architecture. It evolves into definition of on-board software and the mission control segment on ground. Further steps are the follow-up of the actual implementation and testing of the flight software, the ground software, the flight controls procedures and operational databases.

You will strongly interact with the bodies providing the flight software. You have a central role in the project team, interacting with system engineering, mission analysis, avionics, the customer and end user. You are responsible for the operational aspects of the mission, mainly linked to the specification of the flight software and Failure Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) approach. You design, prepare and conduct the system level satellite testing. You report on the satellite level testing. You support the satellite unit level testing. You interface with the satellite ground operations. You provide support during the satellite launch, LEOP and commissioning. You provide in-orbit support after launch.

You have the opportunity to acquire full knowledge with regards to system level verification. You’ll be involved from the very beginning of a satellite project, all the way to the launch. At launch, you will be in the driver seat to command the satellite.

Profile

We expect you to have a master degree in engineering or software architecture. Satellite experience or theoretical background is an obvious asset, but is not strictly required. We expect you to be highly motivated to learn all of the operational details. You’re not afraid to dive into complex systems and analyse them critically. You are passionate about space systems. We expect you to be a pro-active, creative, enthusiastic and result-oriented team player with a broad view. Fluency in English is essential.