Job Title: Security Officer
Location: SaxaVord Spaceport, Unst, Shetland
Salary: £15 per hour
Working Pattern: 3 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation
Who we are:
SaxaVord Spaceport is the UK’s first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport, located on the island of Unst in Shetland — the most northerly inhabited island in the UK. We provide launch facilities, ground station services and operational infrastructure to support small satellite missions into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Join us on our journey to deliver launch capability to the UK.
Role description:
The Security Officer is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment across the spaceport site, including operational, industrial and domestic areas.
You will play a key role in protecting employees, visitors, clients and assets through proactive patrolling, monitoring of security systems, access control and rapid response to incidents or emergencies.
This is a frontline operational role within a highly regulated, safety-critical environment where professionalism, vigilance and resilience are essential. You will also support wider site activities that contribute to the safe and efficient running of SaxaVord Spaceport.
Core responsibilities:
- Carry out regular patrols of the site to deter and prevent theft, vandalism and unauthorised access
- Monitor CCTV, alarm systems and other security technologies to identify potential threats or breaches
- Manage access control points, including verification of identification and issuing visitor passes
- Conduct searches of persons or property in line with company Drug & Alcohol policies, maintaining a professional and respectful approach at all times
- Respond promptly to incidents, emergencies and security threats, escalating to emergency services where required
- Produce accurate daily logs, incident reports and detailed documentation of any security concerns
- Enforce site safety rules and ensure compliance with security and operational procedures
- Use de-escalation techniques to manage conflict and maintain control in challenging situations
- Provide a professional and helpful point of contact for staff, visitors and contractors
- Participate in emergency response procedures, drills and preparedness exercises
- Support wider operational activities across the organisation where required
- Contribute to ongoing personal and professional development, including relevant training and qualifications
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent observational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
- Confident working independently and as part of a team
- Strong sense of initiative and common sense in operational situations
- Physically fit and able to patrol uneven terrain and outdoor environments
- High level of personal resilience and adaptability
- Strong time management and ability to prioritise tasks
- Positive, “can do” attitude with a flexible approach to work
- Ability to follow procedures and comply with health and safety requirements at all times
Qualifications & Knowledge
- Educated to SCQF Level 5 or equivalent security qualification (e.g. QNUK Level 3 Security Officer Award or equivalent)
- Valid SIA licence (essential)
- Full, clean UK driving licence (essential)
- Experience working within a regulated or high-security environment (highly desirable)
- Understanding of security legislation and high-risk operational environments (desirable)
- Familiarity with integrated security systems and technology (desirable)
- Experience working within a multi-site organisation (desirable)
- Willingness to work irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays (essential)
Other Requirements
- Ability to work a 3 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation
- Willingness to undergo security vetting (BPSS and higher as required)
- Flexibility to support operational requirements and changing priorities
- Ability to work in a remote island environment and adapt to varying weather and operational conditions
Why SaxaVord Spaceport?
SaxaVord is at the forefront of the UK’s emerging space launch sector, offering a unique opportunity to work in a truly distinctive and high-profile operational environment. As a Security Officer, you will play a vital role in protecting critical national infrastructure and ensuring the safe operation of a world-class spaceport.
You will join a supportive, professional team where safety, vigilance and teamwork are central to everything we do.
Benefits:
- £15 per hour salary
- 3 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation
To apply please send CV and covering letter to HR@shetlandspacecentre.com
Closing Date: 10/06/2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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