Ground Station Engineer in Darmstadt

Job Description

We are looking for a qualified professional to handle routine, non-routine, and contingency GEO/LEO ground station operations, systems evolution and validation, future mission preparation, and collaboration support.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute Operations: Conduct routine, non-routine, and contingency GEO/LEO ground station operations.
• Monitor & Optimize: Track performance, investigate anomalies, and propose corrective upgrades.
• Manage Data: Maintain schedules, operational databases, and monitoring systems.
• Report KPIs: Provide inputs for periodic metrics and Copernicus Programme reporting.
• Define Evolutions: Assist in specifying requirements and assessing technical upgrades.
• Validate Upgrades: Support operational validation (IV&V, SSVTs) and document results.
• Review Docs: Evaluate technical documentation for improvements.
• Support Readiness: Prepare commissioning and operational scenarios for upcoming missions (MTG, EPS-SG, EPS-Sterna, CO2M, Sentinel-6).
• Mitigate Risks: Identify system deficiencies and propose risk resolutions.
• Develop Concepts: Contribute to operational concepts, transition plans, and training manuals.
• Coordinate Teams: Participate in ARBs, ECPs, and team meetings with external partners.
• Deliver Training: Train controllers and engineers via documentation and presentations.
• Provide Support: Availability for on-call/standby, weekend, holiday, and shift work as required.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• University degree (or equivalent) in engineering or a relevant scientific discipline (Telecommunications, RF, Electronics, Aerospace).
• Minimum 2 years operating complex GEO/LEO ground station systems (TT&C, MDA), preferably in Earth Observation.
• Proven experience in ground station validation (V&V) and managing major system evolutions.
• Working knowledge of ECSS and CCSDS operational standards.
• Skilled in writing technical documents (requirements, designs, test/operational procedures) and managing configuration control.
• Experience defining or optimizing operational user interfaces (HMIs, operator views).

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of ground segment interfaces.
• Hardware/software anomaly diagnosis.
• Baseband configuration.
• Monitoring tools (e.g., Dataminer).
• SLE services.

Seniority: Expert

Primary Location: DE - Darmstadt - EUMETSAT

Contract Type: Hybrid

Working: Onsite International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo.

The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know-how across the generations.

Leonardo always wants to expand its talent pool, here you can find the right opportunity for you!