Senior Payload Engineer (f/m/d)

Overview

Location: ESOC, Darmstadt
Working hours: full time, 40h/week
Requirement: EU citizenship

About LSE Space:
We are an independent provider of space services, covering the entire life cycle of space systems, as the main subsidiary of SSC’s Engineering Services. Employing over 190 engineers, we provide services to the international space market, including support for all phases of a space mission or full service, operations, independent consulting, and training.

Are you fuelled by a passion for satellite operations and ready to embark on an exciting journey with us to help Earth benefit from space?

If you answered yes to the question, we invite you to seize the opportunity to make a significant impact as a Payload Spacecraft Operations Engineer. We are seeking dynamic and experienced individuals to contribute to the CO2M constellation mission, which will deploy satellites to track global levels of CO2, CH4, and NO2 in the atmosphere. As the primary space-based component of Europe’s new CO2MVS initiative, CO2M will focus on measuring human-generated CO2 and CH4 emissions worldwide. This effort is integrated into the EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service. The initial CO2M satellite is scheduled for launch in 2026, with a planned operational lifespan of at least 7.5 years. Both satellites in the constellation will be equipped with advanced near-infrared and shortwave-infrared spectrometers (CO2I), enabling high-resolution measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane concentrations. As a CO2M Spacecraft Operations Engineer specializing in payload operations preparation, you will be ensuring the mission’s readiness for successful payload operations.

Security:
In line with security requirements for the concerned missions of this position, the candidate has to hold a European citizenship. Evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process. Furthermore, in view of the nature of the work the company is in, all potential employees will undergo stringent reference and identity checks.

What you´ll do

• Develop and validate payload operations procedures for all mission phases, including LEOP, commissioning, and routine operations.
• Create and maintain the payload operations database.
• Design and implement payload calibration plans and validation strategies for the CO2/NO2 Spectrometer, Multi-Angle Polarimeter, and Cloud Imager instruments.
• Conduct extensive simulations and rehearsals of payload operations scenarios, including nominal and contingency situations.
• Collaborate with instrument teams to define optimal operational modes and constraints for each payload component.
• Develop automated scripts and tools to streamline payload operations and data processing.
• Participate in the setup and testing of the payload ground segment, including data processing and distribution systems.
• Contribute to the definition of payload-specific flight rules and operational constraints.
• Prepare training materials and conduct training sessions.
• Assist in the development of long-term payload operations strategies and schedules.

What we are looking for

• A Master´s degree in Aerospace engineering, Physics, or in a similar subject.
• Strong background in spacecraft systems engineering and operations preparation.
• Experience with satellite payload operations planning and procedure development.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automation of operational tasks.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent in English, both in speech and writing.
• The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:
  • Experience with Earth observation missions or atmospheric monitoring payloads.
  • Familiarity with SCOS2000 or similar spacecraft control systems.
  • Knowledge of spectroscopy and remote sensing techniques.
  • Experience with model-based systems engineering tools.

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