Technical Lead- Satellite Ground Stations (Retainer)

The Consultant’s key functional responsibilities will include, but not limited to, will be the following:

Key responsibilities: 

1. Pre Tender Stage:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to define the requirements and technical specifications for the polar orbiting satellite ground station system.

• Design a system architecture, including antennas, receivers, signal processing equipment, and control systems.

• Perform market research to ascertain availability, pricing, lead time, and post-support, maintenance, and training needs.

• Drafting a project work plan that outlines timeframes and cost estimates.

• Developing pre qualification criteria for potential tenderers.

• Assisting SPARRSO in identifying potential installation sites, developing layout plans, and determining infrastructure-related needs.

• Assist SPAARSO by incorporating technical insights into their tender documents.

2. Tender invitation, evaluation, contract negotiation, and award Stage:

• Assist SPAARSO in addressing inquiries from Tenderers and facilitating pre-tender meeting, if arranged.

• Assist SPAARSO in their tender evaluation process and selecting a suitable tenderer based on agreed criteria, offering expert opinions on highly technical matters.

• Support SPAARSO in conducting contract negotiations with the selected evaluated tenderer and managing the contract award process.

3. Post Award Stage:

• Creating quality assurance guidelines and a comprehensive testing and acceptance plan for the ground station equipment.

• Overseeing the testing process to ensure that the delivered system meets all specified technical requirements.

4. Installation, Commissioning and capacity building

• Assist SPARRSO in supervising the installation and commissioning of the ground station and its accessories as per the agreed design. 

• Assist SPARRSO ensuring the functionality of the contractor’s work is certified. 

• Ensure that comprehensive documentation, including technical specifications, manuals, and system documentation, is provided by the vendor.

• Coordinating with vendors to ensure that training programs are provided for the organization’s staff on the operation and maintenance of the ground station.

• Facilitate knowledge transfer to the SPARRSO team.

5. Assignment Completion Report:

• A final report detailing the technical assistance provided to the SPARRSO, including delivered products, lessons learned, and recommendations.

• Advanced degrees (master’s and/ or Ph.D.) in satellite communication, remote sensing, or a closely related field is required.

• A  bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline.  

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of overall experience in space science, GIS, and remote sensing technologies.

• At least 5 years experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining satellite ground stations, preferably with a focus on polar orbiting satellites.

• Must have hands-on experience with satellite communication equipment and ground station hardware.

• Prior involvement in the setup and operation of ground stations for polar orbiting satellite missions. (asset)

• Experience working with space agencies, satellite operators, or organizations involved in satellite data reception and processing.(asset)

Language Requirements

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.