Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Job Title: Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Location: Corsham, Wiltshire + Hybrid Working Arrangements

Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF69612

At Babcock we're working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer across our Hawthorn, Oakhanger and Bristol sites.

The Role

The Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer role is critical to the successful operation of the Skynet Constellation. The role will lead a new team that will look at all the aspects associated with the safe control of the Skynet 5 spacecraft.

Day-to-day, you'll be key in the introduction and enhancement of both routine and contingency procedures and the associated command sequencing.

You'll lead a specialist team responsible for spacecraft control, operational procedures, and integration of new systems. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of space operations, influence mission-critical decisions, and grow your expertise in a dynamic, cutting-edge environment.

• Leading the new Spacecraft Operations Engineer (SOE) cadre within Babcock including the development and prioritisation of tasks for a small team of specialist engineers.
• Production of new Skynet 5 Flight Operational Procedures and the associated commanding sequences/processes.
• The enhancement or adaption of existing Operational Procedures based on changes to spacecraft states or revision to their concept of operation.
• Preparation of the acceptance of the new Skynet 6 Spacecraft and associated operational documentation.
• Support the introduction of new Ground Command and Control systems and the integration of new systems/spacecraft.

This role is full time, 37 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with days onsite, as and when the business demands, and days working from home.

Essential Experience of the Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer

• Current Geo-stationary Spacecraft knowledge and with E3000 platform experience where possible.
• An understanding of Flight Operational Procedure generation and routine operations associated with a Geo Communications Satellite.

Qualifications for the Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer

• Science, engineering or satellite communications experience.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK )

What We Offer

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually
• 'Be Kind Day' enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal. 

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email with the subject header 'Reasonable adjustments requirement'. We're committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone's free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing Date: 27/11/2025

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