Satellite Missions Architect - BDS Guildford, England
Job description
An exciting opportunity to work in a pioneering space company shaping future satellite mission programmes, working with customers to realise their space ambitions and to bring business value
The Satellite Missions Architect role plays an essential part in working closely with qualified and experienced engineers and other technical disciplines, to develop and shape quality and pragmatic solutions for innovative projects, whilst working within a great team environment effectively presenting these solutions to SSTL customers ensuring new business and exploiting opportunities. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a pioneering space company shaping future satellite mission programmes, working with customers to realise their space ambitions and to bring business value, while maximizing opportunities and synergies within the space sector. Recent examples of business capture campaigns include SSTL’s Lunar Pathfinder service which will provide the vital communications bridge between Earth and the lunar surface for low cost commercial exploration of the moon, SSTL’s HydroGNSS mission leading the way for a new approach for ESA and delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals by providing valuable hydrological climate data, and SSTL’s innovative Mid Wave Infra-Red thermal imaging satellite which will measure the heat signature of buildings helping organisations respond to the global climate change challenge.
With SSTL’s customers based around the world, there will be opportunities to visit customers to present envisaged solutions and to attend conferences to promote SSTL’s product portfolio.
Key Tasks
Role to include, but not limited to:
- Work with the Business Development & Sales Director, relevant Heads of Business, relevant Key Account Managers and the Chief Engineers to develop a technical solution suitable for each new business opportunity;
- Define the system characteristics of new solutions considering the customer requirements and the heritage design approach of SSTL;
- Work with and within the bid teams to ensure that the technical solution is described in a way that maximises the chance of success;
- Ensure consistency across the technical offerings to customers and current mission and design activities within SSTL;
- Steer ongoing product development activities so that they remain aligned with the technical objectives of BDS activities;
- Provide a smooth transition from prospect and bid activities to the subsequent project technical lead;
- Maintain an overview of system engineering solutions across standard biddable products;
- Work with the Mission Concepts team responsible for road-mapping activities to ensure an effective handover between long-term strategy and day-to-day implementation.
Previous Experience
- Working knowledge of engineering concepts for missions ranging from LEO to GEO and beyond;
- Knowledge of Earth Observation applications and services market;
- Demonstrable experience of strategic planning & thinking;
- Experience of interfacing with customers;
- Experience in mission delivery, preferably whole life cycle – bid through to commissioning, however someone without this experience will be considered if they meet the knowledge criteria
Qualifications Knowledge & Skills
- A degree or equivalent in an engineering or technical discipline;
- Excellent inter-personal and communication skills, able to influence, persuade and negotiate with people at all levels (externally & internally) as well as to assist in reaching acceptable solutions to conflicting requirements;
- Good team working skills, together with the ability to interface with others at all levels, including customers;
- Ability to work closely with technical teams to understand and grasp concepts and issues and translate those to schedule and cost impacts with a balanced approach to risk;
- Results orientated with a strong drive to deliver;
- Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and to tight timescales;
- Excellent planning and organising skills. Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities;
- Ability to multi-task and deliver both immediate and longer term tasks;
- Able to work autonomously, be pro-active and use own initiative;
- High degree of organisation and self-motivation;
- Creative, strategic thinking and ability to look at different ways of doing things;
- Excellent decision making and creative problem solving skills, including making complex decisions in a timely manner;
- Good technical writing and presentation skills;
- Good knowledge of MS Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Microsoft Project;
- Able to demonstrate company mindsets and behaviours; Be accountable, Drive & delivery, Communicate effectively, Self-manage effectively, Work as one team.
Location
The role is based in SSTL’s Head Office in Guildford but a range of flexible working options are available as hybrid working is supported at company level.
Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package includes; 32 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays, Pension Scheme with Life Assurance, Private Medical & International Travel Insurance, Annual Bonus Scheme, Share Incentive Plan, Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay for new parents, High Street Discount Scheme and many more
Visa Support
SSTL supports applications requiring a UK Skilled Worker Visa and sponsorship is available for this role. Relocation assistance is also available.
