Security Officer

Job Title: Security Officer
Location: Saxa Vord Spaceport, Unst, Shetland
Salary: £15 per hour
Working Pattern: 3 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation

Saxa Vord 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.

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 Saxa Vord Spaceport.

• 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
• 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

• 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)

• 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

Saxa Vord 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.

• £15 per hour salary
• 3 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation