Ground Segment Software Team Lead

Holt Executive
Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
3 weeks ago
£65,000 – £95,000 pa

Salary

£65,000 – £95,000 pa

Seniority
Lead
Posted
17 Apr 2026 (3 weeks ago)

This is a rare opportunity to join a fast-growing space technology organisation tackling one of the most critical challenges facing the industry today, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space operations. You’ll play a key role in developing advanced ground segment systems that support cutting-edge satellite missions.

We’re looking for an experienced Ground Segment Software Team Lead to drive both the technical direction and people leadership of a high-performing engineering team. This role combines hands-on software development with system-level thinking and team management responsibility.

You will lead the development of ground segment software used to operate complex space missions, contributing to system architecture, overseeing delivery, and ensuring high-quality, reliable solutions. Alongside your technical responsibilities, you’ll manage and mentor a team of engineers, supporting their growth and performance.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, validation, and maintenance of ground segment software systems

Contribute to system architecture and high-level design decisions

Capture and define requirements, translating them into use cases and user stories

Oversee software development, integration, testing, and deployment activities

Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and aligned with requirements

Support system verification, validation, and integration activities

Contribute to mission system testing and simulation campaigns

Collaborate with operations teams to troubleshoot issues and provide technical guidance

Manage project work packages, timelines, and delivery milestones

Lead and develop a team of software engineers, including performance reviews and day-to-day support

Essential Skills & Experience

Degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related engineering discipline

Proven experience across the full software development lifecycle (requirements through to maintenance)

Strong background in satellite ground segment or mission control systems

Experience designing and developing complex software systems for space or similar domains

Proficiency in Java and/or Python

Experience working in Linux environments, including shell scripting

Familiarity with Mission Control Systems (e.g. SCOS-2000 or similar)

Understanding of software engineering best practices and project lifecycle processes

Experience leading or mentoring engineering teams

Knowledge of ECSS standards

Familiarity with containerisation and cloud technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)

Desirable Experience

Background in spacecraft operations or close collaboration with operations teams

Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments

Knowledge of spacecraft communication protocols (e.g. CCSDS, CAN, SpaceWire)

What’s on Offer

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

25 days holiday (increasing with service) + bank holidays

Private healthcare and life insurance

Long-term sick pay

Optional compressed working pattern (9/75)

Relocation support and visa sponsorship available (where applicable)

Modern office and engineering facilities

Collaborative, international team environment

Regular social and team events

About the Opportunity

You’ll be joining an organisation at the forefront of next-generation space technology, working on mission-critical systems that support the future of satellite operations. This is a chance to make a tangible impact in a highly innovative and purpose-driven environment, while leading a team at the cutting edge of ground segment software engineering.

TT

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