Darwin Recruitment

Ground Segment Systems Engineer Oxfordshire, UK Hybrid (2 days onsite) Industry: Space Systems, Mission Control, Ground Software A UK-based space company is hiring a Ground Segment Systems Engineer to join their mission operations team. This role focuses on the infrastructure and software that run the ground side of satellite missions - everything from mission control and planning to real-time support systems. You'd be joining a team that builds and integrates the tools needed to safely operate spacecraft. This isn't about antenna or RF work, it's about control systems and the software that manages critical mission activity. What You'll Do Help develop and support mission control and planning tools Define and manage system requirements for ground segment components Work with both internal developers and external suppliers Take part in test campaigns and simulation runs before and during missions Troubleshoot issues across integrated software and hardware systems Collaborate with mission ops and systems teams to deliver working, reliable tools Contribute to ongoing updates and maintenance of the control centre systems What You'll Need Hands-on experience with ground segment systems or similar critical environments Background in system integration, ideally in space, defense, or aerospace Comfortable working with mission control systems and associated data flows Good understanding of how different ground tools interface and operate together Practical experience with system testing, validation, and support Able to work across teams and manage technical communication clearly Degree in engineering, computer science, or similar Nice to Have Experience with mission control tools like SCOS-2000 Familiarity with automation and mission planning systems Exposure to ECSS or CCSDS standards Knowledge of how satellite operations are structured Some programming experience (C++, Java, Python, etc.) Linux admin or scripting knowledge for test setups or toolchains Experience working in Agile teams Why This Role? You'll be at the heart of real-time space operations The work spans system design, integration, testing, and mission support You'll get to shape how satellite missions are controlled from the ground The team is collaborative, and the tools you build will have real impact Hybrid working gives a good balance of on-site support and remote focus If you're interested in mission-critical systems and want to work on software that directly controls live spacecraft, this could be a great fit. Reach out for a chat. Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Adam Slade

AWS Systems Engineer A growing space-tech organisation based near Harwell is hiring an AWS Systems Engineer to help manage and scale their internal cloud infrastructure. This is a hybrid role blending AWS cloud engineering with classic sysadmin duties, ideal for someone who has worked across both cloud and on-prem environments in a high compliance setting. The focus here is maintaining and improving their AWS estate, which supports a range of engineering and operations teams. That means provisioning virtual machines, managing IAM, VPCs, and EC2, automating configurations with tools like Ansible or Terraform, and ensuring security and cost efficiency are built in from the start. You'll be part of the global IT and security team, working alongside engineers and developers to make sure infrastructure is robust, secure, and fit for purpose. The work includes Supporting and expanding a growing AWS environment Setting up and managing Linux and Windows VMs Using infrastructure as code tools (Ansible, Terraform) to automate deployments Handling identity, networking, and storage configurations Monitoring costs, patching systems, and refining setup as needed Helping with backup, recovery, and broader IT support tasks when needed You'll need Around 5 years' experience in commercial IT environments Strong hands on experience with Linux and Windows systems Working knowledge of AWS in a live production setting Familiarity with VPNs, IAM, domain joins, and system automation A proactive, self directed mindset with strong communication skills Comfort using version control tools like Git Nice to have Hands on with Ansible or Terraform Exposure to QA or DevOps pipelines Knowledge of Microsoft Azure Experience supporting a high compliance industry like aerospace or defense An interest in space would definitely help, but not required This role is hybrid with time on site at their Oxfordshire office. You'll be working with an international, mission driven team that's supporting hardware and software for advanced satellite systems. It's a great role for someone who wants a bit more variety and ownership in their cloud and infrastructure work. Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Adam Slade

A growing space-tech organization in Oxford is hiring an AWS Systems Engineer to manage and scale their internal cloud infrastructure. This hybrid role combines AWS cloud engineering with traditional sysadmin duties. You will support and improve their AWS estate, manage virtual machines, and automate deployments using tools like Ansible and Terraform. Ideal candidates will have around 5 years of experience with Linux and Windows systems, along with strong AWS knowledge. This position offers a chance to work in an international, mission-driven team focused on advanced satellite systems.

Full Stack Software Developer Oxfordshire, UK Hybrid (2 days onsite) Industry: Space Systems, Ground Segment, Mission Operations A UK-based space company is hiring a Full Stack Software Developer to join their Ground Segment Software Team. This team builds the critical systems that control and communicate with satellites in orbit, connecting mission operations on Earth to spacecraft in space. This role focuses on full stack development for ground segment tools that integrate with external platforms like SCOS and GMV. The work is highly technical, involving real-time, fault-tolerant systems used in active satellite operations. This is not web or e-commerce work. It's engineering that keeps satellites running and missions on track. What You'll Do Build and maintain full stack tools that support satellite control and mission operations Develop backend services in Java or C++, with React frontends Integrate in-house systems with third-party ground segment tools Work across the full software lifecycle, from design to test to deployment Help shape architectural decisions for robust and scalable systems Collaborate closely with operations, mission, and systems teams What You'll Need 3+ years of experience in full stack software development Strong object-oriented programming in Java or C++ Solid experience with React on the frontend Proven work on mission-critical systems (space, defense, aviation, or nuclear) A degree in software engineering, computer science, or similar A practical, detail-oriented approach to engineering problems Nice to Have Experience with Docker or other container tools Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and SQL databases Understanding of ECSS or CCSDS standards Knowledge of telemetry handling and distributed systems Why This Role? Your software will control real spacecraft The problems you solve will be real engineering challenges, not just UI bugs You'll work in a small, capable team with high visibility and impact The team is collaborative, the environment is hands on, and the tech is cutting edge Hybrid model with two days onsite per week in a well equipped Oxfordshire facility