Ground Segment Software Team Lead

This is a rare opportunity to join a fast-growing space technology organisation tackling one of the most critical challenges facing the industry today, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space operations. You’ll play a key role in developing advanced ground segment systems that support cutting-edge satellite missions.

We’re looking for an experienced Ground Segment Software Team Lead to drive both the technical direction and people leadership of a high-performing engineering team. This role combines hands-on software development with system-level thinking and team management responsibility.

You will lead the development of ground segment software used to operate complex space missions, contributing to system architecture, overseeing delivery, and ensuring high-quality, reliable solutions. Alongside your technical responsibilities, you’ll manage and mentor a team of engineers, supporting their growth and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, validation, and maintenance of ground segment software systems
• Contribute to system architecture and high-level design decisions
• Capture and define requirements, translating them into use cases and user stories
• Oversee software development, integration, testing, and deployment activities
• Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and aligned with requirements
• Support system verification, validation, and integration activities
• Contribute to mission system testing and simulation campaigns
• Collaborate with operations teams to troubleshoot issues and provide technical guidance
• Manage project work packages, timelines, and delivery milestones
• Lead and develop a team of software engineers, including performance reviews and day-to-day support

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related engineering discipline
• Proven experience across the full software development lifecycle (requirements through to maintenance)
• Strong background in satellite ground segment or mission control systems
• Experience designing and developing complex software systems for space or similar domains
• Proficiency in Java and/or Python
• Experience working in Linux environments, including shell scripting
• Familiarity with Mission Control Systems (e.g. SCOS-2000 or similar)
• Understanding of software engineering best practices and project lifecycle processes
• Experience leading or mentoring engineering teams
• Knowledge of ECSS standards
• Familiarity with containerisation and cloud technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)

Desirable Experience

• Background in spacecraft operations or close collaboration with operations teams
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments
• Knowledge of spacecraft communication protocols (e.g. CCSDS, CAN, SpaceWire)

What’s on Offer

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 25 days holiday (increasing with service) + bank holidays
• Private healthcare and life insurance
• Long-term sick pay
• Optional compressed working pattern (9/75)
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship available (where applicable)
• Modern office and engineering facilities
• Collaborative, international team environment
• Regular social and team events

About the Opportunity

You’ll be joining an organisation at the forefront of next-generation space technology, working on mission-critical systems that support the future of satellite operations. This is a chance to make a tangible impact in a highly innovative and purpose-driven environment, while leading a team at the cutting edge of ground segment software engineering.

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