Operations Engineer – Ground Systems (Software experience require)

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an Operations Engineer – Ground Systems to join a mission-focused engineering team supporting the development, operation, and continuous improvement of mission-critical ground systems for an advanced aerospace platform. This role combines hands-on engineering, software development, system integration, and operational support to ensure reliable and safe mission execution.

Working closely with Mission Operations, Software Engineering, and multidisciplinary technical teams, you will contribute to the design, development, testing, deployment, and operation of both hardware and software systems that support flight operations. Responsibilities also include mission preparation, real-time operational support, system troubleshooting, and post-mission analysis.

This opportunity is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, working across multiple engineering disciplines, and contributing directly to the success of cutting-edge aerospace programs.

Key Responsibilities

Ground Systems Development & Test

• Design, develop, and execute automated test procedures for ground systems.
• Capture, analyze, and document test results, anomalies, and corrective actions.
• Develop operator interfaces that provide clear system visibility, telemetry monitoring, and fault detection capabilities.
• Support verification and validation activities throughout the system lifecycle.

Software Development & Automation

• Develop scripts and software tools to automate testing, validation, and operational workflows.
• Build and maintain user interfaces supporting test systems and simulation environments.
• Submit, track, and validate software enhancements and change requests throughout the development process.

Systems Operations & Administration

• Configure, maintain, and support hardware and software test environments.
• Administer Linux-based systems supporting engineering and operational activities.
• Manage networking and connectivity across distributed ground system environments.
• Troubleshoot system performance issues and implement corrective actions.

Simulation & System Modeling

• Develop and utilize simulation and visualization tools to evaluate system behavior.
• Integrate simulation outputs into system validation, acceptance testing, and operational readiness activities.

Mission Operations Support

• Support mission planning activities and operational readiness.
• Participate in real-time console operations during flight missions.
• Perform post-mission analysis to evaluate system performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) operations by troubleshooting communications, latency, and data integrity challenges.

RF & Communications Systems (Preferred)

• Interface with RF hardware and Software Defined Radio (SDR) equipment.
• Support communications testing, signal processing validation, and system integration activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience designing, developing, or testing Ground Control Systems (GCS) or comparable aerospace systems.
• Experience testing complex aerospace or mission-critical systems.
• Strong Linux operating system and system administration experience.
• Proficiency in Python, Ruby, or another scripting language.
• Experience developing and maintaining automated test scripts, validation software, and internal engineering tools.
• Understanding of verification and validation methodologies.
• Experience interpreting technical requirements and translating them into executable test procedures.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting large datasets.
• Familiarity with user interface design principles focused on operator usability and human factors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Software Defined Radios (SDR) and RF communications hardware.
• Familiarity with simulation, modeling, or visualization tools.
• Experience supporting Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communication systems.
• Previous experience supporting flight operations, mission operations, or aerospace ground systems.

Desired Skills

• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with excellent documentation practices.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working in dynamic engineering environments.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work across multiple technical disciplines.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Callum Day