Operations and Failure Management Intern Review

Join the Operations and Failure Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) team within the Functional Avionics group in Stevenage. Our team is responsible for looking over the Spacecraft operation in all nominal and contingency situations, from launch until end of life.
We answer critical questions like: How do we power on the spacecraft? How do we communicate with it? How do we detect a malfunction and what actions should we take if something breaks?
To achieve this, we collaborate with a wide range of disciplines to gain a complete understanding of the satellite. Specifically, we work with other Functional Engineering teams, including Software, to define telecommands and data parameters; Functional Verification, to test our Flight Operation Procedures; and Database, to implement and tune FDIR parameters.

This role is a great opportunity to learn all about how the spacecraft works, since you’ll be collaborating with all of the other subsystem architects to make sure it does!
Your objective is to make sure the satellite operates in all nominal and failure situations.
We work on a range of missions, from telecoms missions such as OneSat Payload to Earth Observation, Science and Exploration missions such as Vigil and ExoMars Rover.
In the early design phase you might be helping to define the initial operational and FDIR concept including mission scenario, operational constraints, recovery levels and actions etc. On an implementation-phase project you might be going into the detail of the FDIR monitors, or working on the interfaces with software, or writing and testing Flight Operations Procedures (basically, instructions for the operator).
In any case you’ll gain great exposure to satellite design and the opportunity to exchange with and learn from a host of passionate engineers.

Yes

I had a lot of support with the technical side of my placement, however there was not much / no funding for any soft skills and professional development training. It seems Apprentices and Graduates get a lot of the Early Career teams’ attention and funding.

Amazing! The company work tirelessly to create a supportive dynamic and inclusive environment.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement, during which I gained a variety of system engineering related skills. I however believe funding is needed for more professional skill development for placement students, as well as a slight increase in salary since living near London is very expensive, especially as a student.

Yes