Astrophysics Missions Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Job Description:

As part of the new ESOC FOE Astrophysics missions’ contract, due to start on 01/01/2027, we are seeking to expand our Spacecraft Operations Engineering Team, specifically for our support to a wide range of CubeSats.

Depending on the experience of the candidate, they will be assigned to one or more missions and have responsibility for a number of Spacecraft subsystems and Ground Segment Systems.

Key Responsibilities

The general activities to be supported by this service are, to be tailored to their profile and expertise: 

• Study of Project-specific Characteristics and Ground Segment Documentation

• Participation in the Analysis and Design of Satellite Operations

• Generation and validation of Flight Control Procedures

• Mission Management and Mission Planning Support Service

• Support for Ground Segment Systems evolution and testing (e.g. MCS, SIM and MPS)

• Participation in the team Training Program

• Routine Payload & Platform Operations

• Participation in all Mission Critical Operations

• General Flight Control Support Service

• Spacecraft Performance Analysis

• Participation in the on-call service

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent education in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Telecommunications Engineering. Telecommunications Engineering.

• Experience in Spacecraft operations.

• Proven experience with ESOC internal and external interfaces

• Experience with system-level tasks and a system-minded attitude

• Ability to investigate technical issues methodically and contribute to operational improvements.

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken

• Experience in programming FPGAs.

• Experience in embedded programming

• Ability to work independently.

Desirable Skills

• Experience within a spacecraft operations centre or mission control environment, in particular with the ESOC environment.

• Experience working with international partners, customers, or multidisciplinary engineering.

• Experience with the operation of CubeSats.

• Programming skills in Java, Python & Linux scripting

Furthermore

• Start date 01/10/2026 or 01/01/2027

• EU applications only.

• CV in the latest Europass format

Seniority:

Expert

Primary Location:

DE - Darmstadt - ESOC

Contract Type:

Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Onsite