Head of Mission Operations & Ground Segment

Job description

At ClearSpace, we believe in reusability, in affordability driving disruption, and that no progress is real unless it is sustainable. Our company was founded in 2018 out of the realization that in-orbit servicing and space debris removal are vital services for the future of space exploration and operations. Today ClearSpace has assembled an expert engineering team and is leading the way toward sustainable space operations. From a garage in Switzerland, we now operate across UK and Europe, and are working with world-leading institutions and companies to bring our dream of a sustainable space ecosystem to life. ClearSpace is on a mission to make space sustainable - by developing the world's first active debris removal service. At ClearSpace, Mission Operations and Ground Segment are strategic capabilities that shape mission design from the earliest phases and enable safe, reliable and efficient execution in orbit. We are seeking an exceptional Head of Mission Operations & Ground Segment to own and drive ClearSpace's end-to-end operational and ground segment strategy: building the organisation, defining the roadmap, delivering the infrastructure and operational readiness, and ensuring our missions can be commissioned, operated and supported safely throughout their lifecycle. Role Purpose/Summary Reporting to the CTO, the Head of Mission Operations & Ground Segment will own the Mission Operations and Ground Segment functions across ClearSpace's programmes - from early mission definition and concept of operations through launch preparation, commissioning, routine operations, critical RPO phases and end-of-life disposal. You will build and lead a world-class team, establish the architecture, processes and governance required to scale, and serve as the primary interface across System Architecture, Engineering, AIV/AIT, Programme Management, Quality, Security, customers and external service providers. Role Responsibilities: Embed operations and ground segment considerations from the earliest mission phases: shape mission architectures, operational concepts, autonomy strategies, fault-management concepts and spacecraft design using operational evidence, simulations and representative end-to-end testing Define, own and evolve the ClearSpace Operations & Ground Segment roadmap, establishing the long-term vision, capability development plan and organisation required to support multiple concurrent missions Build, lead and develop the organisation across two areas of capability: Mission Operations and Ground Segment; participate in recruitment, define roles and accountabilities, set objectives, develop talent and conduct performance reviews Own the end-to-end operational lifecycle across all programmes, including mission analysis inputs, CONOPS, operational requirements, procedures, flight rules, staffing concepts, rehearsals, launch and early orbit phase, commissioning, routine operations, contingency operations and disposal Own the Ground Segment architecture and delivery strategy, including mission control systems, flight dynamics, ground station services, communications networks, data processing, operational databases, simulators, security, monitoring and interfaces with customer or partner infrastructure Establish and maintain operational readiness governance: define readiness criteria and evidence; lead operational reviews, simulations and rehearsals; ensure procedures, teams, facilities and systems are qualified and ready before each critical mission phase Ensure safe execution of rendezvous and proximity operations and other safety-critical activities by establishing robust command authority, flight rules, collision-avoidance logic, escalation paths, contingency procedures and real-time decision-making processes Serve as the primary Operations & Ground Segment interface with Engineering, AIV/AIT, Programme Management, Quality, Security, customers, agencies, launch providers and ground service suppliers; assess operational feasibility and cost of contractual commitments before contract signature and contribute to proposals and tender responses Manage the make-or-buy strategy and supplier performance for ground segment products and services; own capacity planning and the relevant CAPEX/OPEX budgets while ensuring resilience, cybersecurity, configuration control and service continuity Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence through automation, standardisation, lessons learned, reusable products and common processes; establish metrics for readiness, availability, reliability, response time, workload and mission performance Must have: Degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science or a closely related discipline; an advanced degree or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status is advantageous 10+ years of experience in spacecraft mission operations and/or ground segment engineering in the space industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role Proven experience taking a mission from early definition through operational readiness, launch, commissioning and routine in-orbit operations Demonstrated experience defining CONOPS, operational requirements, procedures, flight rules, simulations, rehearsals and readiness evidence for complex or safety-critical spacecraft missions Strong knowledge of ground segment architectures, mission control systems, flight dynamics systems, ground station networks, TT&C, secure communications, data handling and spacecraft simulators Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and external suppliers in a multi-programme environment, including resource planning, schedules, risks, budgets and service-level performance Solid knowledge of applicable ECSS standards, space operations best practices, configuration and change control, cybersecurity principles and quality management systems; experience presenting to customers, agencies and senior leadership Nice to have: Experience in active debris removal, in-orbit servicing, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), space domain awareness, formation flying or other autonomous and safety-critical in-space missions Experience designing or operating highly automated, lights-out or multi-mission control centres; familiarity with cloud-based ground systems, DevSecOps, operational data analytics and digital twins Familiarity with NewSpace development approaches, small satellite platforms and agile programme management; experience building an operations capability in a scale-up environment is a strong advantage