Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Darmstadt Vollzeit Kein Home Office möglich

Location:Darmstadt, Germany
Application deadline: 18 December 2024
Reference number: 0129

Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come.

We are looking for a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to work at ESA’s premises in Darmstadt, Germany.

This position will complement our current Earth Observation Mission Operations team with additional engineering support, delivering services to ESA/ESOC for the Earth Explorer missions.

About the client and location

The European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) base in Darmstadt, Germany. As the main control centre for ESA, ESOC controls the launch and early orbit phases for their missions. They are also accepted globally for their research into ground system engineering, satellite navigation, space debris studies and more.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

Supporting development, LEOP, commissioning and routine of the platform and payload systems.
Conducting routine and special operations of the satellites.
Monitoring the satellites’ subsystems and instruments and analysing their performance and trends.
Investigating satellite anomalies and preparing and executing recovery operations.
Providing on-call support.
Creating and maintaining operations documentation and flight procedures.
Identifying and supporting the implementation of system and process improvements in the team.
Support maintain and update the Operational Database for Earth Observation missions.
Support testing and validation of the Mission Control System (MCS).
Participation in the team Training Program.
Deliver status reports on the Operational activities.
Participation in missions in development, training, LEOP, commissioning and routine missions.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

University degree or equivalent education in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Telecommunications Engineering.
Spacecraft System and Subsystem knowledge.
Knowledge of Spacecraft operations with experience at ESOC or EUMETSAT.
Solid understanding of Low Earth Orbit (LEOP) spacecraft operations.
Familiarity with control systems, preferably SCOS-2000, ideally EGOS-CC.
Proficient in programming, design patterns, and algorithms, with a focus on writing modular and reusable code to enhance operational efficiency and flexibility. Proficiency in any programming language with object-oriented capabilities is preferred, with much of the work being done in Python.
Ability to meet tight deadlines.
Ability to multi-task and work in a flexible way.
Strong command of Bash shells for system navigation, monitoring processes, diagnosing issues, and implementing fixes.
Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
Solution oriented mindset, with a customer focused communication skill.
Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

Familiarity with MariaDB or other SQL languages along with knowledge of MySQL server configuration is advantageous, as is experience with the setup and optimization.
Expertise in automation, focusing on creating modular, reusable code with an object-oriented approach, rather than task-specific scripts for individual use.
Git experience for version control, including experience with GitLab workflows and collaboration in a team development environment.
Hands-on experience with Linux server administration, particularly.
Some experience dealing with external stakeholders (e.g. Project, Industry).
Satellite Validation tests experience.
Knowledge of Database Management and version control systems.

Why should you apply?

You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
Benefits include competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, all genders, LGBTQ+ individuals and ex-service personnel.