Head of Network Operations

About Archangel Lightworks

Archangel Lightworks is a laser communications company building wireless technology. Founded in 2017, we believe that laser communications to and from satellites is a key component of next-generation infrastructure. Our core product, the TERRA-M, is a deployable optical ground station with proven capability for space – ground data transfer.

Our team develops and operates products that advance the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure. We value compassion, resilience, curiosity, ownership and integrity. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can contribute to novel technology with meaningful applications like reducing the Digital Divide.

Archangel Lightworks recently closed over £10 million of investment in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. Our company is also supported by the UK Space Agency, the UK’s Department of Science and Technology (DSIT) and the UK Ministry of Defence.

About the job

We’re looking for a Head of Network Operations to join our experienced team and deliver transformative laser communications technology. In this role you will build and lead the Network Operations function, ensuring the reliable operation, deployment, monitoring and maintenance of company and customer-owned ground station infrastructure and associated optical communication services.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building and leading the Network Operations function, establishing the team, processes, tools and operational standards required to support a growing deployed network
• Leading operation of the Optical Communication Service, including network planning, service performance, availability and operational readiness, supported by product development
• Owning the monitoring, maintenance and operational performance of deployed infrastructure, covering both company-owned and customer-owned systems, working closely with Production and Engineering
• Engaging with customers during sales and post sales use of the service to ensure customer success
• Leading deployment and commissioning of new systems, coordinating across Production, Product Development and other technical teams
• Owning customer operational support, onboarding, proof of concept & incident management, ensuring effective issue resolution and feeding operational experience into future product and service development.

Requirements:

• Significant experience (10 years+) leading network operations, service operations or a similar technical operations function supporting complex or mission-critical infrastructure
• Strong technical understanding of network monitoring, incident management, infrastructure maintenance and deployment
• Demonstrated ability to build operational capabilities, establish processes and lead multidisciplinary technical teams
• Experience in optical communications, satellite communications, telecommunications, ground station operations or a related field preferred.

Desirable additional skills:

• Experience working in a start-up, scale-up or other environment where operational processes and teams have needed to be built from the ground up
• Exposure to the space, defence, telecommunications or critical national infrastructure sectors
• Understanding of cybersecurity and operational security considerations for critical or mission-critical infrastructure
• Familiarity with network monitoring, observability, alerting and automation tools, ideally within distributed or remote infrastructure environments
• Experience commissioning and bringing new technical systems or services into operational use
• Experience operating or supporting satellite ground stations, optical ground stations or other remotely deployed technical infrastructure
• Familiarity with optical communications, free-space optical systems, RF communications or satellite network operations
• Experience designing and implementing Network Operations Centre (NOC) processes, tooling and ways of working.

Location: Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford. There may be opportunity to work from home as agreed with your line manager. There may be opportunity for periodic business travel.

What we offer:

• Opportunity to work on advanced optical systems to support a world-changing vision
• A collaborative and transparent culture with strong links between functions
• Regular socials and weekly company lunch
• Professional development and skills growth within a specialist engineering field
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with equity options in a growing start-up
• 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays

Archangel Lightworks is an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. If you need any assistance or accommodation to complete your application or assessment, please contact us through the application form.

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools when applying. Please ensure your application reflects your own experience, skills, and thinking. We assess applications based on authenticity and accuracy, so anything generated with AI should be reviewed, personalised, and representative of you.