Satellite Operations Engineer

The Space Communications Research Group is currently participating in different activities that conform to the New Space Strategy of Catalonia. This strategy aims at promoting the space ecosystem in the catalan region and developing novel technologies that reach the market to boost private and public initiatives. Among the different activities in the strategy, the research and development ones are key to achieve the strategy goal.

SpaceComms is conducting different projects in its New Space research programme, centered in pillar technologies: (1) integration of satellite systems in 5G infrastructure to conform NTN; (2) contributions to Software Defined Networks deployments in satellite constellations; and (3) developments of Inter-Satellite Link technologies. The research programme envisions to validate these developed technologies in dedicated CubeSat missions, that can additionally provide novel services to the catalan region.

As a Satellite Operations Engineer at i2CAT, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining software systems for satellite operations and ground station control. This role is crucial for ensuring reliable communication with CubeSat missions and implementing efficient satellite operations procedures. You will be working in a multi-disciplinary team among other engineers and researchers to plan and operate i2CAT satellite missions. 

Responsibilities of the candidate:

• Develop and maintain software for satellite mission control and operations.
• Design and implement automated systems for satellite tracking, telemetry processing, and command handling.
• Create and maintain ground station software infrastructure, including scheduling and resource management systems.
• Support the integration of satellite operations software with existing network infrastructure.
• Develop tools for mission planning, orbital analysis, and constellation management.

Mission of the successful candidate:

Lead the development and implementation of i2CAT's satellite operations capabilities, ensuring successful mission control for the 6GStarLab initiative and establishing the foundation for future constellation management. The candidate will be instrumental in transforming research innovations into operational space assets, while building i2CAT's autonomous satellite operations expertise to support its position in Non-Terrestrial Networks development and the broader New Space ecosystem in Catalonia.

Who we are:

The i2CAT Foundation is a non-profit research and innovation center that promotes mission-driven R&D activities on advanced Internet architectures, applications, and services. More than 15 years of international research define our expertise in the fields of 5G, IoT, VR, and Immersive Technologies, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, AI, and Digital Social Innovation. The center partners with companies, public administration, academia, and end-users to leverage this knowledge in order to meet real social and business challenges.

The greatest value of i2CAT is the talent of the people who make up our human team. We enjoy a team of people from more than 13 different nationalities and work every day to create and foster a work environment where we all feel comfortable creating, innovating and growing.

Want to know more? Visit our webpage! www.i2cat.net

What will you enjoy?

• Work from our offices or from home, whichever works best for you. We only ask for one day in person at the office to coordinate with the rest of the team.
• This is a full-time vacancy.
• We have a flexible work schedule respecting your work-life balance.
• Reduced working hours on Fridays and in July and August.
• Fix + variable salary based on objectives.
• You decide wether you preferr to receive your salary in 12 or 14 payments.
• Optional benefits: Configure your salary according to your needs. We offer you the option of restaurant vouchers, public transport vouchers, nursery services, and medical insurance.
• Annual leave of 27 working days.
• We have fruit in the office to promote a healthy lifestyle
• Free coffee and tea.
• If you are interested, you can participate in events of your sector.
• You will work with a laptop. You can choose your operative system, Mac, Linux or Windows.
• Company social and team-building events (virtual & in-person).
• You can develop your own and personal training programme with our support.
• We will work so that you have a career plan to promote your growth and development.

Where will you do it?

At i2CAT we already have an established ‘work-from-home’ policy for some time. You can work from home or from the office, whichever suits you best. We expect that you attend the office one day per week to stay connected with your team and to engage with other colleagues

If you decide to come to the office, we are located in Zona Universitària, next to the Campus Nord of the UPC, within a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. It is a very well-connected area (metro, tram, bus) with bars and restaurants around.

Our offices are designed with an open-office concept where everything is light and transparency. We have a variety of workspaces so that you don't have to be at the same table all day.

i2CAT is an organization committed to equal opportunities. That is why we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented, and therefore explicitly encourage female candidates to apply.

I2CAT is an organization committed to creating an environment where we celebrate diversity, and where we provide the dedicated support that our employees need, regardless of their disability.

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