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SaxaVord Spaceport

SaxaVord Spaceport

saxavord.com

1 Job

51 Employees

About the Company

SaxaVord UK Spaceport is a multi-use, vertical space launch site in the UK located on the island of Unst in Shetland, Scotland. Our site is fully licensed for vertical launches by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) which regulates space activity in the UK.

We offer direct routes to key low-earth orbits, providing a wide range of launch services and ground station services to our global client base. We work with our clients from the early stages of launch planning and testing, through to take off, using the expert advice from our team on the ground and our state-of-the-art technology, engineering and data facilities.

Integral to the UK’s space economy ambitions, SaxaVord is building a highly skilled workforce, championing STEAM education and supporting the economic growth of local communities in Shetland.

The company was formed in 2017 by late CEO Frank Strang, Scott Hammond and Debbie Strang at the former RAF Saxa Vord base, with the launch site at nearby Lamba Ness .

Listed Jobs

Company background Company brand
Company Name
SaxaVord Spaceport
Job Title
IT Operations Engineer
Job Description
Job title: IT Operations Engineer Role Summary: Provide day‑to‑day operation and maintenance of high‑availability spaceport IT network infrastructure. Ensure mission‑critical systems, ground‑control, and launch‑support platforms remain available, secure, and performant during launches, simulations, and normal operations. Expactations: * Demonstrated experience in IT systems operations, with a focus on networks in secure, high‑availability environments. * Hands‑on knowledge of Cisco Catalyst, Meraki, and Firepower hardware and virtual appliances. * Proficiency in VMware, Hyper‑V, and Azure cloud environments. * Strong scripting capability (PowerShell, Bash, Python) for automation and configuration management. * Excellent troubleshooting, diagnostics, and communication skills. Key Responsibilities: * Maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot core IT network infrastructure including servers, storage, end‑user devices, and launch‑support systems. * Deploy, integrate, and manage internal hardware, ground‑control infrastructure, launch platforms, and site networks. * Sustain high availability and performance of all critical systems during launch operations and simulations. * Update and optimise network architecture, including satellite uplink interfaces, VLANs, and firewalls. * Automate routine tasks and improve workflows with scripting. * Support cybersecurity and compliance processes aligned with UK space regulations and ISO 27001. * Ensure failover, disaster recovery, and data protection protocols maintain business continuity. * Collaborate with Launch, Ground, Mission Operations, and Security teams to deliver robust IT solutions. * Provide Tier 2/3 support and participate in on‑call rotations for critical incidents. * Assist infrastructure scaling for future launch activities and site expansions. * Report hazards or potential safety issues to on‑site management. Required Skills: * IT operations and administration with network focus. * Cisco Catalyst, Meraki, Firepower (hardware & virtual). * VMware, Hyper‑V virtualization. * Cloud experience (Azure) and on‑premise environments. * Network protocols: DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, Unicast, Multicast. * Scripting: PowerShell, Bash, Python. * Microsoft Office Suite proficiency. * Diagnostic, troubleshooting, and prioritisation ability. * Strong interpersonal and stakeholder‑management skills. * Detail‑oriented, organisational, proactive, adaptable. Required Education & Certifications: * Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience). * Cisco certifications (CCNA/CCNP) beneficial but not mandatory; support for study and accreditation is provided.
Banchory, United kingdom
On site
29-01-2026