Satellite Missions Architect (Future Programmes)

SSTL - Surrey Satellite Technology

Guildford, United Kingdom

As a Future Programs Missions Architect, you will work closely with Chief Engineers, Key Account managers, relevant Heads of Business and Business Development director to produce high quality and pragmatic technical solutions for new mission prospects and bid/tender activities. As part of future programmes, you will help pioneer future product development base on emerging space markets and customer needs. You will prepare projects for smooth transition from prospect/bid phase to satellite mission projects handing over to lead system engineers and project managers.

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.