 A stepping stone to the space industry
After just sixteen months at VEGA I find myself working for one of the world’s leading satellite operators. If you are interested in a career with an international flavour then VEGA is for you.
I came to the United Kingdom from Australia to undertake a Masters in Astronautics at Cranfield. Previous to this I had completed a double degree in Mechanical Engineering and Commerce at Sydney University. I joined VEGA’s Space division as a graduate in the summer of 2003.
My first job was as a Project Controller and Configuration Manager. This position was mainly involved in the project management activities of a large ESA (European Space Agency) led software development project. In the role I was responsible for keeping track of the ‘paper trail’ generated by such a programme as well as managing the hardware used on the project. This role not only entailed working with VEGA employees but also co-ordinating with subcontractors who were spread over Europe.
My current job is working as a subcontractor for a large communications satellite operator. The work involves validating a number of operating procedures for a commercial satellite. This requires that each of the procedures is run through the satellite’s dedicated simulator and ensuring that the satellite will behave as intended. With a large fleet of satellites being controlled at this site, the work provides an excellent exposure to an operational environment.
Other work which I have been involved in at VEGA has been high level document review on a military satellite programme, helping to produce a computer based training package for satellite operators and procedural updates for a geostationary satellite. But to talk about VEGA from just a technical aspect would be to sell the company short. As I have already mentioned there is plenty of opportunity to work abroad, the people you encounter are highly motivated and there are plenty of things to get involved outside of work including sports and other social events.
I have enjoyed myself during my time at VEGA and would recommend VEGA without hesitation for anyone looking for work in the space industry.
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