Junior Satellite Operations Engineer
Who You Are
Startical is looking for a passionate Junior Satellite Operations Engineer. Based in our HQ in Madrid, this role will contribute to the ECHOES Mission Operations activities.
Initially, the Junior Satellite Operations Engineer will support the day-to-day routine operations of satellites and ground segment systems, anomaly investigations and recovery operations, ATM demo tests execution and data analysis, to ensure optimal performance, safe operations, and Satellite Based ATM Services validation, under supervision of the senior team members.
In the medium term, you will also participate in the definition of Startical Constellation mission operations, ground and launch segment definition activities to ensure deployment, commissioning and operational activities.
This role requires strong engineering skills, system minded perspective and capacity to go into detail when it is needed, hands-on attitude, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, as part of a cross-functional team in a growing company.
Job Description
You will join the Mission Operations team, and your main focus will be participating in the Operations of ECHOES mission: a two small satellites mission demonstrator led by Startical in collaboration with Indra, ENAIRE, Airlines and ANSPs.
The detailed list of activities includes the following:
Satellite and Ground Segment Monitoring & Control Activities
Performing routine operations, health checks, and telemetry analysis.
System awareness of satellite status, orbital position, and mission operations schedule.
Ground Station Monitoring and configuration.
Analyse telemetry data to identify trends, deviations, or early signs of system degradation.
Investigations, recovery and reporting of anomalies.
Operations Coordination
Support the planning and execution of orbit maintenance manoeuvres and payload operations of the demo tests.
Support the coordination of the demo tests stakeholders: ANSPs, airlines and segment providers in case is needed.
Continuous Improvement
Contribute to the development and testing of new tools and automation scripts.
Additionally, Startical Constellation is in the early phase of the project, so you will participate on defining the constellation and ground segment operational requirements to get system ready for the operational phase. Because of the scale of the mission, you will be focused on driving automation and operational excellence.
Detailed list of activities as follows:
Contribute to the Concept Operations definition.
Contribute to the definition, development and maintenance of the operational products (procedures, databases and documentation) of each of the segments: space, launch, ground and aviation.
Support the operational requirements definition with focus on the ground segment and the constellation operations, derived from the mission and interface requirements.
Support in the mission analysis studies from an operational point of view.
Support on the Systems validation, and testing of ground systems such as the Mission Operations Center (MOC).
Required Qualification and experience
Ideally the successful candidate has – although not necessarily all – the following education, experience and skills:
Engineering Degree (Master is a plus) with specialization in Software, Electronics, Telecommunications, Aerospace or a related field.
You have minimum 3 years of experience in LEO operations and operations preparation, especially for constellations.
System level knowledge of ground and satellite (sub)systems and operations.
Experience in operations preparation: development of operational products (procedures, databases and documentation) and the testing/validation of ground systems (mission control system, flight dynamics, mission planning, on-board software maintenance tools, simulator).
You have conducted in-flight (hands-on at the console) operations: including monitoring and control, orbit maintenance, mission planning, operations coordination, anomaly investigation and resolution, and provision of on-call.
Desired knowledge and skills
Knowledge of mission analysis, flight dynamics and orbital mechanics.
Understanding of payload design and operation, including power and thermal budgets and constraints.
You have knowledge of Industry Standards and Protocols (ECSS, SCOS 2000, and CCSDS).
You have very good programming/scripting skills, in modern languages like Python, MATLAB, C++ and SQL/MYSQL.
Understanding of space mission development, space projects management, and AIT.
Understanding of Air Traffic Management services and operations is a plus.
The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to work independently; and comfortable working with ambiguous problems, assessing risk, reducing uncertainty, and handling the pressure of mission critical operations.
The ideal candidate will also have strong verbal and written communication skills, and very good organizational skills, able to juggle multiple tasks at once.
English proficiency is required; Spanish proficiency is a plus.
You promote a collaborative and inclusive culture within a cross-functional team, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
You have a drive to succeed and a desire to grow professionally.
