Vice President - Satellite Operations

Overview

Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to enlighten the Earth from space. Established in 2024 following the successful merger between Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42’s global reach allows it to address the rapidly evolving needs of its customers in governments, enterprises, and communities.

Our vision is to pioneer beyond today for humanity to experience a better tomorrow. Space42 challenges traditional approaches with advanced AI and cutting-edge satellite technology, making space more accessible and redefining how data from space can be used on Earth. We aim to achieve this by connecting people to rewire potential, informing decisions to reimagine impact and enabling action to redefine tomorrow.

For more information visit: www.space42.ai, follow us on X and Instagram @Space42ai

Responsibilities

• Leadership: Ensure the effective achievement of functional objectives through the leadership of the Satellite Operations Division. This includes setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff, providing formal feedback and conducting appraisals, so as to maximize departmental performance.
• Strategic Contribution: Participate in the formulation of SPACE SERVICES’s strategic objectives by ensuring that all Satellite Operations initiatives are adequately described and contribute towards the achievement of the SPACE SERVICES mission and objectives.
• Budgeting & Cost Control: Direct the preparation of the Satellite Operations Division budget and monitor financial performance, so that the business is aware of anticipated changes with respect to the budget. The VPSO shall also identify areas of unsatisfactory performance and potential performance improvement opportunities.
• Business Partnerships: Identify and cultivate relationships with potential partners, in order to pursue technological advancements and innovations that may improve the performance of the Satellite Operations Division, or the satellite fleet.
• Procurement Processes: Lead the procurement processes for major elements in the Satellite Operations Division, such as the Spacecraft Control System (SCS) and Flight Dynamics System (FDS), in coordination with the Legal and Financial Departments and end users, ensuring that the SPACE SERVICES systems requirements are clearly outlined in the RFP and that technical, legal and commercial requirements are in the best interest of the stakeholders.
• Satellite Operations: Safeguard the health and safety of the SPACE SERVICES satellite fleet, ensuring the spacecraft on-station are maintained within their specified orbital slot for GEO and within their ITU filings or Orbital Parameters for LEO and MEO (as applicable for SPACE SERVICES Fleet), and verifying that all required housekeeping and maintenance activities are conducted on a timely manner. Ensure that all military and commercial communications services are maintained across the satellite fleet, with the required availability, and guarantee that all routine and contingency satellite and ground operations are conducted in a timely manner.
• Contract Implementation: Ensure that contractors and vendors fulfil their contractual obligations through closely monitoring their deliveries and performance and continuously verifying the transfer of know-how and knowledge according to the terms and conditions of the contract, so that SPACE SERVICES staff become fully capable of operating the system independently.
• Continuous Improvement: Provide inputs and suggestions for the continuous improvement of existing practices considering ‘best practice’, changes in international standards and changes in the business environment which demand proactive action plans.
• Automation and AI: Plan and execute autonomous operations across the fleet to reduce the reliance on human involvement and human error.
• Management Reports: Consolidate accurate reports to provide timely feedback to Management and other stakeholders on the health of the fleet. Ensure anomalies and commanding incidents are reported to the CTO at the earliest opportunity and provide regular feedback on the resolution of any operational issues. Update the CTO through periodical meetings on the progress of ongoing activities in the Satellite Operation Division.
• Spacecraft Insurance: Support or Lead Spacecraft Insurance discussions as needed to maximize the insurance claims (if applicable) to the maximum amount applicable to the failure or coverage case
  
  

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in an engineering subject relevant to satellite operations
• Professional certification in satellite operations
• 15 years’ experience in satellite operations, preferably in the satellite telecommunication industry
• To demonstrate expert-level technical competency across multiple areas:
• In satellite operations, must be capable of commanding and monitoring satellites, managing anomaly investigations, understanding ground systems and their components, and defining necessary processes and procedures.
• In project management, must organize and oversee projects, manage schedules and budgets, and ensure proper project closure.
• They must be skilled in staff development, mentoring team members to reach their full potential and preparing them for leadership roles.
• Additionally, exhibit expertise in budgeting, including formulating annual budgets, monitoring expenditures, and balancing costs within the broader company financial environment.