Ground Segment Software Test and Commissioning Engineer

Ground Segment Software Test and Commissioning Engineer -  You will collaborate with other teams in the testing, commissioning and integration of our control room software with Ground Segment and Launch Vehicle systems.  This is an exciting role in a fast paced environment, with training provided and is a unique opportunity to be directly involved in contributing to our launch operations for the maiden launch or Orbex Prime.  
 
While training will be provided, it is expected that you will have a good technical foundation in commissioning complex software systems, such as controls and automation software, Linux and networking infrastructure, communications protocols (UDP/TCP), Command line coding  etc. 
 
Note this role will require prolonged periods of working away at our home spaceport on the Shetland Isles.  

Orbex 

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime and Proxima launch vehicles being prepared to launch from Scotland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €158m/£133m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.   
  

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris on orbit.  

 Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark.    

Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market. This role will also require significant time spent at Saxavod Spaceport.  

Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.  

The Position 

The position includes the following tasks and responsibilities: 

• Testing support in the development of Ground Software by high level testing of User Interface applications for monitoring and control of equipment. 

• Collaborate with other teams to integrate software into functional test and launch facilities. 

• Commission, Configure, and Maintain Hardware and Software installations at functional test and launch facilities. 

• Fault trace hardware and report software issues to the development team. 

• Monitor hardware/software and provide frontline support during functional tests and launches. 

• Keep accurate records of deployed hardware/software – ensuring consistent configuration and deployment. 

• Actively participate in the Orbex health and Safety Culture. 

Key Qualifications and Experience 

We recognise that this is a diverse role and that no one individual is likely to have experience in every aspect of the above.  Therefore, applications are encouraged from anyone that has practical hands-on experience of maintaining industrial or IT systems. 

• We are not expecting any particular qualifications for this role but do require appropriate experience of Networking, Hardware, and industrial IT support. 

• Previous experience with mission-critical software like aerospace, medical, defence, Oil & Gas etc. 

• Experience with the Linux platform and communication protocols strongly preferred.  

• Proficiency in command-line operations (CLI) , OS networking configuration. Software installation and maintenance. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and previous experience of supporting users. 

• Compliance with or role in health and safety culture of a company an advantage. 

• Installation and Maintenance of operating systems an advantage. 

• Familiarity with version control systems such as GIT or SVN. 

• Full manual driving license without endorsements. 

• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work well as part of a team. 

• Experience of working remotely from direct instruction. 

Personality 

Orbex is a fast-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to embrace tasks and see them through to the end. 

It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non-technical team members. 

You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.  

Location 

Initially the role will be based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters, however the focus will then shift to Unst (Saxa Vord Spaceport) and will require frequent travel and prolonged presence on Shetland in Spaceport provided accommodation.  

Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth.  Unst has equally stunning coastline, with wonderful opportunities to watch wildlife and investigating the archaeological heritage. 

If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location. 

Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland. 

If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep. 

Security 

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You will be required to obtain CTC clearance for the role.  

Security  

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You will be required to obtain CTC clearance for this role.  

Benefits – UK   

• Salary of £45-55k depending on experience   

• 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays  

• NEST workplace pension  

• Cycle to Work scheme  

• Employee Assistance Programme, including: mortgage advice, health and wellbeing apps.  

• Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary.  

• Independent supporting services including: mortgage advice and health and wellbeing apps  

• Orbex are able to provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company and a relocation allowance.