Satellite Operations Lead

Loft Orbital

| Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates (On Site) | Full Time | 12 months ago

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Job Summary

As the Satellite Operations Lead for Orbitworks, you will be the anchor of the Satellite Operations team, leading the operational launch of the Orbitworks satellite fleet in the UAE. You will utilize your technical and leadership skills to ensure smooth operation, mission planning, and integration with Loft’s global satellite operations. This role requires leadership, technical expertise, and operational efficiency in high-stakes environments. You will operate and manage satellite fleet shifts, drive satellite operations strategy, participate in development sprints, mentor junior engineers, and liaise with leadership.

Must Have

Strong satellite operations background, understanding complex mission requirements
Demonstrated scripting experience, preferably in Python, for automation
Proven leadership skills; ability to lead a technical team

Good to Have

Experience with Airbus satellite platforms, particularly the Arrow-150 bus
Experience with low-earth orbit satellite operations
Hands-on Python development and testing experience
Experience with satellite constellation management
Arabic language skills or a willingness to learn

Job Description

Wanna join the adventure?
As the Satellite Operations Lead for Orbitworks, you will serve as the anchor of the Satellite Operations team.
You will lead the operational launch of the Orbitworks satellite fleet in the UAE and will leverage your technical and leadership skills to ensure smooth operation, mission planning, and integration with Loft’s global satellite operations. This role demands leadership, technical excellence, and operational efficiency in high-stakes environments.
About This Role:

Operate and manage satellite fleet shifts, ensuring continuous mission operations.
Drive satellite operations strategy while collaborating on software and avionics.
Participate in development sprints and contribute to mission planning.
Mentor and guide junior engineers to develop an independent, UAE-based satellite team.
Liaise with leadership to ensure alignment with Loft’s global operations

Must Haves:

Strong satellite operations background, capable of understanding complex mission requirements
Demonstrated scripting experience, preferably in Python, for automation and mission performance
Proven leadership skills; ability to lead a technical team in high-pressure environments.

Nice to Haves:

Experience with Airbus satellite platforms, particularly the Arrow-150 bus, in avionics, ADCS, or propulsion
Experience with low-earth orbit satellite operations
Hands-on Python development and testing experience, working with a complex software stack
Experience with satellite constellation management
Arabic language skills or a willingness to learn is highly desirable

Orbitworks' mission is to make space simple for organizations that want to deploy physical and virtual missions to space. Building on Loft Orbital's heritage, Orbitworks will be the first commercial firm in the United Arab Emirates to mass-manufacture satellites. Orbitworks aims to manufacture tens of satellites annually and operates out of a 50,000-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi.