Network Operations Engineer
Pubblicato il 18-10-2026 - Spaceflux in Prato
Spaceflux keeps watch over space.
We operate a growing global network of optical sensors that track satellites and debris in orbit, giving governments, defence and commercial customers the space-domain-awareness data they need to operate safely.
Our telescopes run every clear night, from Chile to Australia to Europe, and we're scaling fast - toward 25+ sites and new sensor types - as we grow through our next funding stage.
We're a small, hands-on, fast-moving team where what you do is visible the next morning in the data.
About the Role
We're looking for a
Network Operations Engineer
to help run our worldwide sensor network and keep it healthy around the clock.
You'll be the second operator alongside our Network Operations Manager - watching the network, catching and fixing faults, and making sure every telescope is doing what it should be when it should be.
This is the operational heartbeat of the company: if a roof doesn't close, a telescope stops observing, or data stops flowing, you're one of the people who spots it and sorts it.
It's a role for someone who genuinely enjoys operating real, physical, always-on systems - and who takes pride in a network that simply works.
You'll join when there's a lot to build: the procedures, the monitoring, the Rota and the tooling that let a global network run reliably without depending on any one person.
There's a clear path to grow from running operations into helping design how they're run.
What you'll do
Monitor the sensor network throughout the daily operational cycle and take part in a fair shared out-of-hours/weekend rota, ensuring telescopes and sensors are operating correctly and data continues to flow.
Make sensible open/close calls in marginal weather to protect the hardware while maximising observing time.
Diagnose and fix faults first-line - remote restarts, roof/dome recovery, connectivity and control-system issues - and pull in the right specialist when a problem needs hardware, software or logistics help.
Coordinate with on-site teams and technical specialists around the world when remote recovery is not possible, providing clear diagnostics, instructions and follow-up until the sensor is operational again.
Run incident response in our monitoring platform: spot it, log it, drive it to resolution or escalation cleanly, and keep a clear record.
Step up to cover the daily operations rhythm - the morning check-in and the network status report - so the network is dependably supported.
Help turn how we operate into written procedures and better tooling, so the whole team gets sharper over time.
What we're looking for
Hands-on experience operating an always-on, remotely-run technical system - ideally a telescope or optical-sensor network, but equally a satellite ground segment / mission-operations role, a network operations centre, or similar.
Comfortable troubleshooting PCs, remote-access systems, basic networking/connectivity issues, logs and monitoring tools.
A practical,
adaptable problem-solver who is comfortable investigating unfamiliar issues independently, knows when to keep troubleshooting and when to escape, and can remain effective when priorities change quickly.
Comfort with flexible, observing-driven hours across time zones, within a sensible, sustainable rota.
Nice to have
Practical experience with amateur or professional telescopes, observatory automation, astronomical cameras or remote observatory operation.
Experience of on-call / shift / rota cover for an operational service.
The confidence to deputise - to run a daily stand-up, take decisions and communicate clearly.
Working Italian (our network-operations team is Italy-based; English is the working requirement, Italian is a plus).
The working pattern
Our network runs at night, across the world - so this role involves some non-standard hours and a share of weekend/out-of-hours cover, organised through a fair, defined rota.
It is not an always-on, never-switch-off role: we're building sustainable cover precisely so no one carries it alone.
If you like the rhythm of operational work and the quiet focus of keeping a live system healthy, you'll enjoy it.
What we offer
A pivotal role in a mission-driven space company at a genuine inflection point.
Real ownership and visible impact from day one, in a small team with no bureaucracy.
The chance to grow with the network - from operating it to helping design how it's run.
Remote working from Italy, employed through Spaceflux Italia Srl, with competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
Spaceflux is an equal-opportunity employer.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive team.
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