Spacecraft Operations Lead

GTS Space is working with a company that sits at the forefront of Europe's emerging in-space manufacturing sector. They design and operate autonomous microgravity missions serving the biotech, pharmaceutical, agri-tech, and advanced materials industries — and they're now looking for an experienced Operations Lead to take a structuring role within their Mission Operations Team.

The role

This is a hands-on leadership position spanning the full mission lifecycle — from pre-mission planning and MCC readiness through to real-time operations, anomaly response, and post-mission review. You'll act as the primary point of contact for one of the company's Mission Control Centres, coordinate and develop a pool of operators, and help shape the operational processes and tools that underpin every mission.

As much as this role demands operational rigour, it also rewards fresh thinking. You'll be expected to bring a critical, constructive perspective on how things are done — and the appetite to improve them.

What you'll be doing

• Leading mission operations across all phases, including real-time execution and contingency response
• Overseeing MCC readiness and coordinating operators in line with established procedures
• Supporting operator training and certification, particularly in payload operations
• Defining, reviewing, and maintaining operational procedures, checklists, and mission rules
• Leading post-mission reviews and driving continuous improvement
• Contributing to ConOps development and operational documentation
• Interfacing with engineering, integration, and software teams as required
• Representing the company with external institutional and industrial partners on ground segment topics

What we're looking for

• A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline
• 3–7 years of experience in space mission operations, ground control, or payload operations
• Proven involvement in real-time operations and anomaly management for satellites, payloads, or spacecraft
• A solid understanding of mission operations workflows, TT&C protocols, and satellite ground control systems
• Familiarity with the space environment and its operational constraints
• Experience in a startup or agile space environment is a strong advantage
• Experience with scientific payloads or technical demonstrators in microgravity is a plus
• Strong communication skills and the ability to convey operational priorities clearly to external partners

What's on offer

• A central, ownership-driven role in one of Europe's most ambitious space ventures
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Real influence over how mission operations are structured and scaled
• A collaborative team of engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs
• Clear paths for progression — including Flight Director, Payload Ops Lead, and Mission Manager tracks