Ground and Operations Segment Architect

Established in 2017, Infinite Orbits is a NewSpace company, based in Toulouse, pushing the boundaries of in-orbit services with cutting-edge spacecraft driven by its own Rendez-Vous solution, an advanced Autonomous Vision-Based Navigation Solution. IO has two generations of missions

"Orbit Guard" provides Inspection and Space Situational Awareness services in GEO. Our first, OG-1 was launched on 1 May 2023, the second is launching in 2025 and the third third launching in 2026.

"Endurance" is a docking service capable of extending the life of GEO telecom satellites, by taking over AOCS takeover for 5 years.

About the Role

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Ground and Operations Segment Architect to join our team for an advanced In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) mission. The selected candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end architecture, development, integration, and validation of the ground and operations infrastructure required to support on-orbit servicing of space assets, such as inspection, life extension and SSA.

This is a high-impact role, pivotal to the success of the mission, involving close collaboration with flight segment teams, mission operations, ground stations, autonomy systems, and international partners.

Job Description

Ground Segment Architecture

Design and develop the ground segment for the IOS mission, including mission control center (MCC), telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C), data processing, and ground infrastructure interfaces.

Define and validate system requirements, interfaces, and functional decompositions.

Develop system architecture documentation, including ICDs, CONOPS, and operational workflows.

Operations Planning and Execution

Architect mission operations concepts, including pre-launch, launch, commissioning, rendezvous, docking, servicing, and disposal phases.

Collaborate with GNC/autonomy teams to ensure compatibility with on-orbit autonomous behaviors.

Lead the development of flight and ground procedures, anomaly handling strategies, and contingency plans.

System Integration and Test

Oversee integration of ground software (MCS, FDS, automation) with spacecraft simulator and hardware-in-the-loop environments.

Define and execute ground segment validation, SVT, and mission rehearsals.

Stakeholder and Partner Coordination

Work closely with spacecraft subsystem leads, software teams, ground station providers, and mission assurance to ensure operational cohesion.

Serve as technical liaison with customers and national/international ground infrastructure partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

Minimum of 8 years of experience in ground systems, space operations, or systems architecture for space missions.

Experience with TT&C systems, mission planning tools, spacecraft commanding, and telemetry handling.

Knowledge of CCSDS standards and ground interface protocols (e.g., SCOS-2000, EPOCH, GMSEC).

Proficiency in defining and managing requirements in tools like DOORS or Jama.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience with in-orbit servicing, proximity operations, or autonomous rendezvous and docking missions.

Familiarity with ECSS or NASA space mission standards.

Knowledge of secure ground-to-space communications and cybersecurity practices.

Experience with agile development, DevOps tools, and cloud-based ground systems.

What we offer

The opportunity to be part of an international team transforming the space industry.

A creative and innovative work environment where ideas turn into reality.