Mission Operations Center Lead- Auckland Space Institute (Fixed term contract until October 2023)

The Opportunity

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s highest-ranked, research-intensive and comprehensive university. Recognised as one of the world’s leading entrepreneurial universities and with an established innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Te Pūnaha Ātea/The Auckland Space Institute is a multidisciplinary centre of expertise covering topics ranging from spacecraft engineering to astrophysics, to remote sensing and applications of space technologies. Our work includes research and development working with industry, academia, government and other key stakeholders, with the aim to further grow the burgeoning New Zealand space sector. We also run educational activities at undergraduate, post-graduate and post-doctoral levels. Our team includes world-leading expertise, coupled with a stimulating, cooperative work environment which benefits from New Zealand’s unique geographic, cultural and political situation.

We are now seeking an experienced specialist in spacecraft mission operations.

About the Role

Within the broader domain of spacecraft engineering, we work in a variety of different areas, ranging from spacecraft subsystems (structures, mechanisms, space propulsion, avionics and other relevant areas), to the development and execution of entire space missions, including the exploitation of data gathered during the missions.

Key aspects of this role include:

• developing, implementing, and maintaining the Space Institute spacecraft operations/mission operations facilities.
• overseeing the management of mission operations and related technologies
• mentoring junior members of staff and students.
• Leading the implementation of maintenance and safety procedures
• managing the operation of these facilities, initially operating CubeSat missions, eve minisatellites and international missions
• being able to provide expert technical support in relation to the spacecraft operations & mission operations facilities to staff, students and external partners.

About you

You will come to us with:

• experience in spacecraft operations and/or ground station facility control and maintenance
• in-depth knowledge of related hardware and/or software domains
• previous experience with CubeSat and/or small sat operations from LEOPS to EoL with be advantageous
• A sound understanding of ITU RF regulations
• Experience in industry or a government research institute combined with academia would be welcomed.
• Ideally, you will have a degree in in Electronic Engineering, or telecommunication or computer sciences

Why us?

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices
• Career development programmes
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

Company superannuation scheme, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information please visit Staff Benefits.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 16th of August 2020 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV.

For more information, please see the position description here.

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQI, Takatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz.

In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, the University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates. In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government has imposed a travel ban and are currently only allowing New Zealand Residents, Citizens and visa holders meeting a strict exception policy  to enter the country, all of whom must currently enter Government approved quarantine for two weeks on arrival.  

It is uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the degree to which an off-shore candidate can engage in the interview process; or be available to commence in a new position. For more information and updates on the border restrictions visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government’s official Covid-19 website.