The Metop Spacecraft Operations Manager manages the team that defines and performs the routine operations of the EUMETSAT Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space segment components. The successful candidate also assists with operations preparation activities for the LEO satellites as appropriate.

The main duties of the Metop Spacecraft Operations Manager include managing a team of spacecraft engineers and analysts, planning, supervision, and execution of space segment operations in support of the routine provision of operational services. In addition, the Metop Spacecraft Operations Manager chairs the daily LEO operations briefing, the daily Anomaly Review and Change Management Boards (ARB and CMB), and coordinates the weekly planning meeting and maintains the LEO Operations Planning as part of a (weekly) rotation scheme.

In performing these tasks, the post holder maintains close co-ordination with other members of the Flight Operations division, Operations department, and with the Operations Preparation Integrated Teams for LEO missions under development.

Duties

The post includes the following tasks:

• Manage the LEO spacecraft operations team to ensure that the routine operations of the relevant space segments are correctly planned and executed;
• Be responsible for the conduct of routine operations of the relevant LEO space segments;
• Chair daily LEO operations briefings, the daily ARB and CMB;
• Coordinate the weekly planning meeting and maintain the LEO Operations Planning;
• Be responsible for the maintenance of the operations procedures and databases for EUMETSAT LEO spacecraft in routine operations;
• Oversee the operational management of the elements of the Control Centre systems related to LEO spacecraft monitoring and control and their respective spacecraft simulators;
• Manage the Metop Spacecraft Operations Support and anomaly investigation during Routine Operations, provided by the spacecraft and instrument providers;

• Liaise with industry and ESTEC on matters concerning the routine operations of the EUMETSAT Metop spacecraft;

• Carry out performance evaluations and trend analyses to monitor the in-flight behaviour of the EUMETSAT LEO spacecraft in routine operations;
• Participate in the System and Operations Preparation activities for the upcoming EPS_SG programme;

• Manage, together with the low Earth orbit development programme, activities to prepare for the launch of recurrent satellites;
• Support the Commissioning of LEO spacecraft to ensure compatibility between the spacecraft’s in-orbit behaviour and the required operations during Commissioning;
• Participate in the EPS operational system evolution process with special emphasis on the spacecraft M&C operational aspects;
• Assist in the provision of training to EUMETSAT Control Centre operations personnel;
• Support as necessary the analysis of the in-orbit instrument performances of the LEO payloads under EUMETSAT operations authority;
• Act as the external point of contact for the management of conjunctions warnings for LEO spacecraft and associated collision avoidance activities and related data exchange definition and evolutions. Be responsible for the coordination of corresponding internal activities related to LEO satellites;
• Work with the Flight Dynamics team in the definition and implementation of the End-of-Life strategies for LEO satellites, with regards to maximising mission return and the application of relevant guidelines;
• Be responsible for ensuring space weather / environment best practices are duly considered in the operations of LEO satellites and in the operations support to new LEO system developments;
• Support overall EUMETSAT activities in the field of space environment, such as assessment of the potential EUMETSAT role in space environment services, interactions with other organisations active in this field, related data access needs and space environment sensor deployment planning.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in the field of satellite operations gained in a leading role in the development or operation of a large Low Earth Orbit (LEO) remote sensing space system.
• Detailed knowledge of satellite systems, their operational ground segments, and familiarity with evolving and emerging technologies in these areas.
• Ability to understand and synthesise complex issues, and apply these to decision making processes.
• Very good communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Proven experience of activity leadership and team management.