Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Custom
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Benjamin Charlton

Carharrack,Redruth

Summary

Accomplished IT professional with extensive expertise in system development, network security, and infrastructure management. Proficient in a wide range of technologies including Python, SQL Server, and MATLAB, with a strong background in technical support and incident response. Demonstrates exceptional skills in quality assurance and risk assessment, supported by AS9100 internal auditing experience. Adept at managing vendor relationships and ensuring seamless system integration through agile methodology. Committed to optimising performance and enhancing security protocols while pursuing continuous improvement in DevOps processes.

Experienced Systems Engineer with knack for enhancing system performance and reliability. Led multiple projects that streamlined operations, reducing downtime and improving user satisfaction. Known for innovative problem-solving and clear communication with cross-functional teams.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Senior Satellite Ground Systems Engineer

Avanti Communications
Newquay, Cornwall
06.2024 - Current
  • Collaborated closely with stakeholders on project requirements definition and scope delineation, achieving better alignment between business needs and technological capabilities.
  • Implemented continuous improvement initiatives; achieved higher levels of work efficiency.
  • Streamlined workflow with automation of repetitive tasks.
  • Improved system performance by implementing innovative engineering solutions.
  • Diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues across systems, including network connectivity, application performance, and system failures.
  • Monitoring system performance metrics, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing optimization strategies to improve system efficiency.
  • Implementing and maintaining system security measures to protect sensitive data, including access controls, vulnerability management, and incident response.
  • Leading technical teams on projects, defining project scope, managing timelines, and ensuring successful delivery.
  • Providing technical guidance and coaching to junior engineers on system design, troubleshooting, and best practices.
  • Creating comprehensive system documentation, including design specifications, operational procedures, and technical reports.
  • Collaborating with external vendors to evaluate and implement new technologies.
  • Oversaw installation of new hardware components, ensuring compatibility with existing systems.
  • Optimised performance through continuous monitoring of system metrics.
  • Designed standard operating procedures manuals which became reference documents within the department.
  • Trained staff on new system features, boosting productivity levels across the organisation.
  • Developed comprehensive system documentation, enhancing departmental efficiency.
  • Implemented preventative maintenance protocols to reduce downtime.
  • Streamlined system operations by implementing robust software solutions.
  • Evaluated current infrastructure set-up, proposed improvements where necessary.
  • Ensured seamless daily operation with routine system checks and updates.
  • Led team of junior engineers, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to develop integrated systems solutions.
  • Handled scripting tasks for debugging and automation using Python.
  • Built and maintained a network infrastructure consisting of Windows, Linux and virtual products.
  • Automated tasks to reduce labour costs and increase productivity.
  • Consulted on client projects to establish aims and advise on systems solutions.
  • Acted as subject matter expert to advise on strategic systems solutions across multiple engineering disciplines.

Satellite Ground Systems Engineer

Avanti Communications Group plc
Helston/Newquay, Cornwall
09.2020 - 06.2024
  • Company Overview: Avanti Communications is a global multi-orbit provider of fully integrated connectivity services and solutions
  • Founded in 2002, with a mission to help the world become better connected, Avanti leverages satellite technology to create custom solutions that protect communities and unlock opportunities for individuals, communities, businesses, and governments all over the world
  • Avanti is the leading Ka-band high-throughput satellite capacity partner to the communications industry in Europe, the Middle East and Africa
  • Oversee and maintain satellite ground segment operations, ensuring continuous system efficiency
  • Manage hypervisors and virtual machines to prevent operational bottlenecks
  • Implement and maintain automation tools for system monitoring and incident response (HiFly, Nagios)
  • Manage and administer TT&C assets, including steerable beam request proxies, WebTM proxies, and SFTP bastion hosts
  • Oversee the management and upkeep of Hylas mission dynamic satellite simulators (DSS) for training and testing
  • Develop and manage the Az/El views application to enhance TT&C communication monitoring
  • Implement automation for ODA and Puppet rollouts to improve efficiency and reduce human error
  • Provide technical support for HiFly, FocusGEO, PLP, and all supporting systems across multiple teams (SCT, SOE, SRM, FDS)
  • Install and configure mission-critical software, including HiFly, PLP for SRM, and FocusGEO for FDS
  • Manage and maintain ground system logging, including Linux system logs and HiFly application logs
  • Monitor and maintain HiFly server and workstation infrastructure
  • Oversee administration of mission-critical MySQL databases, ensuring data integrity and operational continuity
  • Maintain automatic delivery of positional data to COMSPOC for orbital tracking
  • Manage and develop SOC dashboards for efficient monitoring of ground and space segments
  • Ensure ITAR compliance within software development and secure file transfer solutions
  • Manage and configure SOM IP Tables and access control policies to uphold cybersecurity standards
  • Oversee user identity provisioning and access control management for WebTM and PLP systems
  • Administer telemetry data transmission via network port forwarding for aerospace and satellite enterprises (e.g., Airbus)
  • Conduct impact assessments of terrestrial network link utilisation for TT&C connectivity
  • Develop and implement automated ticketing from HiFly and Nagios, enhancing incident response efficiency
  • Architect and deploy operational frameworks for Hylas 2 & 4 steerable beam flight operations
  • Oversee orchestration of Linux Crontab scheduling for automated task execution in mission-critical environments
  • Develop tools to collect Az/El data from third-party antennas to improve tracking accuracy
  • Continuously improve control system efficiency and integrate AI tools for documentation management
  • Liaise with GMV for software issue resolution in HiFly, FocusGEO, and ODA
  • Collaborate with Network Operations (NetOps) to diagnose and resolve connectivity issues
  • Represent Avanti on the Cornwall Space Cluster Working Group
  • Work directly with Park Place to streamline machine part replacements and reduce ticket overhead
  • Supply training to external companies, such as KSAT, and aggregate telemetry data for GMV diagnostics
  • Lead the apprenticeship scheme for the SOC, developing future talent in satellite operations
  • Design and deliver technical training in Python, Git, and other relevant tools for SOC and interdepartmental teams
  • Develop structured training programmes and KB articles to improve knowledge retention across teams
  • Advocate for process improvements, including modifying knowledge articles without non-team approvals
  • Attend and represent Avanti at spacecraft operations conferences to showcase expertise to new space companies
  • Manage and monitor the SCSSupport email inbox, prioritising and resolving incoming requests efficiently
  • Monitor change calendars to assess potential impacts on satellite operations
  • Provide 24-hour support for BIU and BAU activities, ensuring resilience against absences
  • Act as the first point of contact for troubleshooting and resolving system-wide issues
  • Avanti Communications is a global multi-orbit provider of fully integrated connectivity services and solutions
  • Founded in 2002, with a mission to help the world become better connected, Avanti leverages satellite technology to create custom solutions that protect communities and unlock opportunities for individuals, communities, businesses, and governments all over the world
  • Avanti is the leading Ka-band high-throughput satellite capacity partner to the communications industry in Europe, the Middle East and Africa
  • Delivered high-quality technical support to end-users across the organisation.
  • Streamlined workflow with automation of repetitive tasks.
  • Led cross-functional team collaboration, fostering a productive working environment.
  • Prioritised urgent issues resolution, ensuring consistent service delivery.
  • Facilitated seamless software transitions through meticulous planning and execution.
  • Handled critical incidents effectively; minimised impact on overall business operations.
  • Conducted regular systems analysis, resulting in optimised processes.
  • Achieved increased system reliability with proactive maintenance and upgrades.
  • Engaged in root-cause analysis after major incidents; prevented recurrence by addressing underlying issues.
  • Tested new technologies for potential integration into existing systems.
  • Designed robust security protocols to safeguard sensitive data.
  • Implemented continuous improvement initiatives; achieved higher levels of work efficiency.
  • Identified bugs, risks and anomalies, applying action to prevent reoccurrence.
  • Evolved and documented detailed software testing plans to suit business needs.
  • Oversaw focused testing processes to capture meaningful insights into current processes.
  • Compiled and analysed software testing results to produce actionable insights, driving process improvements.
  • Prepared and configured systems for testing.

Senior Satellite Controller

Avanti Communications Group plc
Helston/Newquay
04.2019 - 09.2020
  • Managed half of the satellite controller team, ensuring efficient operations
  • Conducted monthly one-to-one reviews, addressing performance and development needs
  • Liaised with the Control Team Lead and SOC department to streamline workflows
  • Distributed workloads among controllers to optimise efficiency
  • Oversaw training and certification packages for satellite controllers
  • Conducted regular testing to ensure optimal performance of satellites.
  • Streamlined work processes to enhance team productivity.
  • Collaborated with team members for successful satellite launches.
  • Solved complex technical issues for improved operational efficiency.
  • Identified customer needs and requirements to optimise engineering designs.
  • Managed engineering projects from conception to completion.

Satellite Controller

Avanti Communications Group plc
Helston/Newquay
12.2014 - 04.2019
  • Monitored and controlled the Avanti satellite fleet on a 24/7 shift rota
  • Executed satellite commands using approved flight operations procedures
  • Maintained operational activity logs and scheduled team tasks
  • Generated periodic spacecraft health and status reports
  • Provided first-line response to satellite contingencies and escalated critical issues
  • Supported anomaly investigations, participating in the Anomaly Review Board process
  • Assisted in satellite control system maintenance, software updates, and database validations
  • Developed operational procedures, training colleagues on Python and Spell scripting
  • Designed and implemented automation projects, including payload script automation
  • Created and managed VBA-based tools to enhance reporting for monthly, quarterly, and annual reviews
  • Led translation projects for in-house control procedures, identifying and resolving workflow bottlenecks
  • Provided support for new satellite procurement, participating in system verification tests and simulations
  • Designed operational workspaces and Hifly (SCOS 2000 system) displays for improved monitoring
  • Organised work experience training plans for students, fostering skill development

Technical Writer

CDG, a Boeing company
05.2014 - 12.2014
  • Company Overview: CDG provides strategic engineering solutions and software for commercial aviation, aerospace and defence and other industries
  • They offer flexible, global resources to serve customers with on-shore, off-shore, or blended global teams for cost-effective and efficient delivery
  • CDG is a Boeing subsidiary and part of the Digital Aviation business unit within Boeing Commercial Aviation Services
  • Making sure that all Component Maintenance Manuals comply with the correct format/specification and technical content
  • Working as an integral member of the team to ensure adequate resource data is provided to meet cost and schedule requirements
  • Assisting the illustrator by determining the content of illustrations
  • Co-ordinating all information and support needed to complete a Component Maintenance Manual
  • Communicating in a timely manner issues and concerns concerning any changes that need to be made
  • Ensuring quality, cost and schedules are adhered to
  • Informing the Technical Lead/Program Manager of the progress and any problems arising from a work assignment
  • Assisting the Technical Lead/Program Manager in ensuring that Technical Authors know, understand and meet the project requirements of quality, on-time delivery and cost performance
  • Performing internal AS9100 audits
  • CDG provides strategic engineering solutions and software for commercial aviation, aerospace and defence and other industries
  • They offer flexible, global resources to serve customers with on-shore, off-shore, or blended global teams for cost-effective and efficient delivery
  • CDG is a Boeing subsidiary and part of the Digital Aviation business unit within Boeing Commercial Aviation Services

Assembly supervisor

Hymec Industries
01.2014 - 03.2014
  • Company Overview: Hymec is a newly accredited AS9100 organisation that takes pride in delivering high quality components and full assemblies using state of the art CNC milling and lathe machines
  • Hymec also offers a rapid response service to build and ship parts or assemblies with a minimal lead time
  • The formation of the new assembly department, which included large scale planning
  • Lifecycle processes
  • Health and Safety
  • Attention to fine detail
  • Fault Finding
  • KPI’s
  • Continuous improvements
  • Project critical paths
  • Introduction of lean management including the 5S’s and 7 wastes
  • Responsible for departments transformation to AS9100 accreditation
  • Liaising between departments and management
  • Writing procedures
  • Envisaging modifications and the overall affect
  • Supporting assembly staff with technical issues
  • Creating work instructions with the aid of Solidworks
  • Designing jigs for the respective builds using Solidworks
  • Preparing first builds for first time article inspections
  • Liaising with aviation companies
  • Improving methodology and efficiency within the department
  • Exposure to the Base and Line Maintenance environments and the impact of the CAA and Customer requirements on input programming
  • Hymec is a newly accredited AS9100 organisation that takes pride in delivering high quality components and full assemblies using state of the art CNC milling and lathe machines
  • Hymec also offers a rapid response service to build and ship parts or assemblies with a minimal lead time

Engineer for Biosonar project

University of Southampton
07.2012 - 02.2014
  • Company Overview: The University of Southampton is a global leader in the field of Aeronautical Engineering, featuring a range of cutting edge research facilities
  • The Aeronautics and Astronautics department have contributed to a raft of ground breaking projects such as the International Space Station and CUBESAT, as well as, maintaining strong ties with industry leaders Airbus, Astrium and Boeing
  • The university also boasts a student body of 24,000 and an involvement with a major break through every year for the past six decades
  • Initial ideation and conceptualisation of mechanical and audio solution
  • Detailed design and specification of components
  • Final solution including GAs and technical drawings
  • Fabrication and assembly of mechanical and audio components
  • Maintenance of playback systems and experimental equipment including daily system calibration
  • Construction of MATLAB programming for analysis
  • Liaising between various engineering and scientific departments within the UoSD
  • The University of Southampton is a global leader in the field of Aeronautical Engineering, featuring a range of cutting edge research facilities
  • The Aeronautics and Astronautics department have contributed to a raft of ground breaking projects such as the International Space Station and CUBESAT, as well as, maintaining strong ties with industry leaders Airbus, Astrium and Boeing
  • The university also boasts a student body of 24,000 and an involvement with a major break through every year for the past six decades

Engineering Planner (4 mth contract)

Cobham Aviation Services
07.2013 - 11.2013
  • Company Overview: Cobham Aviation Services (CAvS) is a world renowned multinational organisation operating over 150 fixed and rotary wing aircraft, offering assistance in electronic warfare training to a range of armed forces worldwide, flight inspection, commercial aviation support services and aerospace engineering
  • Formation of a brand new Production Control Cell within Engineering, which included lifecycle process of a new resource and capacity planning software
  • Liaising between all departments within Engineering and the wider company
  • Reviewing and rewriting procedures to add value to the company through increasing efficiency
  • Liaising with potential software companies to establish a resource and capacity function, improving methodology and efficiency within Engineering
  • Gaining a greater understanding of the wider business unit, including but not limited to CAMO, Design, Workshops and Business Development
  • Exposure to the Base and Line Maintenance environments and the impact of the CAA and Customer requirements on input programming
  • Lifecycles of projects
  • Cobham Aviation Services (CAvS) is a world renowned multinational organisation operating over 150 fixed and rotary wing aircraft, offering assistance in electronic warfare training to a range of armed forces worldwide, flight inspection, commercial aviation support services and aerospace engineering

Head Tour Guide

University of Southampton
11.2011 - 07.2013
  • Organising guides for tours of the Department
  • Giving a presentation and tour to prospective students and parents
  • Liaising with the Engineering Department and Admissions Department
  • Working as part of a team with other students

Education

BEng (Hons) - Astronautical and Aeronautical Engineering

University of Southampton
Southampton
09.2008 - 06.2013

Access to HE Diploma Programme - GCSE English

Leicester College
01.2007 - 01.2008

NVQ level 2 - Engineering operations

Grantham College
01.2001 - 01.2003

High School - Mathematics, Double Science

William Robertson Secondary School
01.1996 - 01.2001

Skills

  • Satellite Operations & Control: SOCS 2000, SPELL, HiFly, Automation, Incident Response
  • Programming & Scripting: Python, Robot Framework, SikuliX, VBA, MATLAB, Visual Basic
  • Systems & Infrastructure: Unix/Linux, Windows, Network Administration, Security Protocols
  • DevOps & IT Management: System Integration, Infrastructure Management, Backup & Recovery, Risk Assessment
  • Software & Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Project, Visio, Access), SolidWorks, SharePoint, Apache, Tomcat, SQL Server
  • Quality & Compliance: AS9100 Internal Auditing, ITIL, Agile Methodology

Custom

  • Echolocation behaviour of the horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus capensis: The influence of other bats, clutter, and prey on call design., Fawcett, K., Jacobs, D. S., Surlykke, A., Ratcliffe, J. M., Biology Open, 4, 6, 693–701, 2015
  • The influence of conspecifics and clutter on the echolocation and flight behaviour of Daubenton’s bat, Myotis daubentonii., Fawcett, K., Ratcliffe, J. M., Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 201, 3, 295–304, 2015

Affiliations

  • Automotive repair
  • Guitar

Accomplishments

    MATLAB Programming & Script Development

    · Developed MATLAB programs/scripts for:

    o Fawcett, K., Jacobs, D. S., Surlykke, A., Ratcliffe, J. M. (2015). "Echolocation behaviour of the horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus capensis: The influence of other bats, clutter, and prey on call design." Biology Open, 4(6), pp. 693–701.

    Co-Authorship & Engineering Contribution

    · Co-authored and served as the engineer for:

    o Fawcett, K., Ratcliffe, J. M. (2015). "The influence of conspecifics and clutter on the echolocation and flight behaviour of Daubenton’s bat, Myotis daubentonii." Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 201(3), pp. 295–304.

    Dissertation title:

    · Space Debris mitigation for the Geosynchronous Region

Timeline

Senior Satellite Ground Systems Engineer

Avanti Communications
06.2024 - Current

Satellite Ground Systems Engineer

Avanti Communications Group plc
09.2020 - 06.2024

Senior Satellite Controller

Avanti Communications Group plc
04.2019 - 09.2020

Satellite Controller

Avanti Communications Group plc
12.2014 - 04.2019

Technical Writer

CDG, a Boeing company
05.2014 - 12.2014

Assembly supervisor

Hymec Industries
01.2014 - 03.2014

Engineering Planner (4 mth contract)

Cobham Aviation Services
07.2013 - 11.2013

Engineer for Biosonar project

University of Southampton
07.2012 - 02.2014

Head Tour Guide

University of Southampton
11.2011 - 07.2013

BEng (Hons) - Astronautical and Aeronautical Engineering

University of Southampton
09.2008 - 06.2013

Access to HE Diploma Programme - GCSE English

Leicester College
01.2007 - 01.2008

NVQ level 2 - Engineering operations

Grantham College
01.2001 - 01.2003

High School - Mathematics, Double Science

William Robertson Secondary School
01.1996 - 01.2001

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Benjamin Charlton