Senior Satellite Operations Engineer

Role overview

FADA is looking for a seasoned Senior Satellite Operations Engineer to strengthen its satellite operations function in the United Arab Emirates. In this role, you will command and monitor satellites in orbit, protect spacecraft health, and support mission success through hands-on operations. The position calls for strong practical experience in satellite operations, especially within Earth Observation programs. You will also take the lead on daily passes, handle anomaly response, and help guide junior operators.

Key responsibilities

• Run satellite operations by carrying out mission plans and keeping a close watch on spacecraft health during LEOP, routine, contingency, and critical mission stages.
• Work closely with the mission ground segment team to ensure precise planning, dependable pass execution, and successful data capture.
• Create, test, refine, and maintain operating procedures for System Validation Tests and ongoing mission operations.
• Prepare and update mission documents such as operations plans, CONOPS, and the operations manual.
• Contribute operational input during review milestones including PDR, CDR, and ORR, while highlighting risks and suggesting mitigations.
• Assist with readiness campaigns, operational rehearsals, commissioning activities, and investigations into anomalies.
• Join occasional 24/7 shift coverage during high-criticality mission periods and participate in the on-call schedule.

Required experience and knowledge

The ideal candidate should bring at least 5 years of experience supporting LEO missions with direct exposure to real-time operations across multiple mission phases. You should be comfortable using mission control systems for telemetry processing, command execution, and mission planning. The role also requires the ability to shape operational concepts for multi-mission settings, along with a solid command of CCSDS standards, including frame formats, telemetry packets, and telecommand structures. Strong communication, analytical judgment, disciplined execution, and quick decision-making in time-sensitive situations are essential.

Preferred experience

It is advantageous to have an understanding of orbital mechanics, flight dynamics, and the operational limitations that apply to LEO missions. Experience on Earth Observation missions is also beneficial, particularly where payload operations, data acquisition limits, tasking workflows, and downstream data processing are involved.

Working conditions

This is a full-time, onsite position based in the United Arab Emirates. The role may require shift coverage and on-call support during critical mission windows.