Columbus Ground Controller (f/m/d)

SSC Space; Gilching; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

30 days paid vacation

Training program

German language course

Gym program

Bike lease program

Company doctor services

Open-door policy

ISO 9001-certified workplace

Sponsored public transportation

Job summary

SSC Space seeks a Ground Controller to support operations of the Columbus module from the German Space Operations Center (GSOC). You will work with international partners, including NASA and ESA, ensuring continuous operation of critical ground systems for human spaceflight missions.

Rotating 24/7 shifts, you will coordinate with the Columbus Flight Control Team and subsystems engineers, contributing to mission execution and operational readiness.

Qualifications

• University degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline, or relevant professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Execute real-time ground segment operations in accordance with approved timelines, procedures and flight rules.
• Coordinate operational activities with the Columbus Flight Control Team, subsystem engineers, and international partners.
• Support critical mission events, including spacecraft docking, undocking, and other ISS operations.
• Monitor and manage ground services, communication links, and operational resources.
• Operate and supervise data, voice, video, and mission support systems.
• Maintain operational logs, contribute to mission, and increment reporting.
• Provide continuous support for 24/7 operational activities (shift work).
• Support the definition, implementation, and evolution of ground segment capabilities for ISS increment activities.
• Prepare and deliver training sessions related to ground segment operations and systems.
• Develop, validate, and maintain operational procedures and documentation.
• Coordinate system and interface modifications with relevant stakeholders.
• Plan, execute, and document interface tests, simulations, and operational rehearsals.
• Support Test Readiness Reviews and other operational certification activities.
• Perform first-level troubleshooting of ground segment anomalies and operational issues.
• Investigate, track, and process operational incident tickets.
• Provide technical support to ESA ground segment users and operational teams.
• Contribute to service restoration and anomaly resolution activities in a real-time operational environment.

Skills

System mindset

English fluency

International teamwork

24/7 shift

Ground segment ops

Mission control exp

Education

University degree in Engineering/CS/AE/Telecommunications

Job description

Description

January 2027

Location

GSOC, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

Requirement

EU Citizenship

Working hours

Full time, 40h/week

Submission deadline

2026-10-30

About SSC Space

Welcome to SSC Space - the perfect workplace for those passionate about technology in general and space in particular. With space organizations, research institutes, institutional and commercial actors as customers, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications, space consulting services, rocket and balloon systems, flight test services, satellite propulsion systems, and much more.

SSC also has one of the world’s largest global networks of ground stations for satellite communications. We own and operate the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, northern Sweden, with the aim of launching satellites in the near future.

Are you fueled by a passion for people and the ambition to create an awesome workplace? Are you 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 Ground Controller. We are looking for a dedicated person who shares our core values of Customer passion, Care, Collaboration, Curiosity, and Courage. In this team you will be supporting the operations of the Columbus module aboard the International Space Station (ISS) from the German Space Operations Center (GSOC). In this role, you will contribute to the continuous operation of critical ground systems that enable human spaceflight missions. Working closely with international partners, including NASA and ESA, you will play an active part in mission execution, operational preparation, and ground segment support.

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.

Requirements

• University degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline, or relevant professional experience in ground segment operations.
• System-oriented mindset with the ability to understand complex technical environments.
• Ability to work effectively in an international, multidisciplinary team.
• Good communication skills and fluency in English.
• Willingness to work in a rotating 24/7 shift environment, including weekends and public holidays.
• Experience in spacecraft, mission control, ground segment, or satellite operations.
• Familiarity with operational procedures, anomaly handling, and real-time decision-making processes.
• Experience working with mission-critical systems and communication networks.
• Knowledge of ISS, human spaceflight, or ESA operational environments.
• German language skills are a plus

Responsibilities

• Key Responsibilities
  • Execute real-time ground segment operations in accordance with approved timelines, operational procedures, and flight rules.
  • Coordinate operational activities with the Columbus Flight Control Team, subsystem engineers, and international partners.
  • Support critical mission events, including spacecraft docking, undocking, and other ISS operations.
  • Monitor and manage ground services, communication links, and operational resources.
  • Operate and supervise data, voice, video, and mission support systems.
  • Maintain operational logs, contribute to mission, and increment reporting.
  • Provide continuous support for 24/7 operational activities (shift work).
• Operations Preparation
  • Support the definition, implementation, and evolution of ground segment capabilities for ISS increment activities.
  • Prepare and deliver training sessions related to ground segment operations and systems.
  • Develop, validate, and maintain operational procedures and documentation.
  • Coordinate system and interface modifications with relevant stakeholders.
  • Plan, execute, and document interface tests, simulations, and operational rehearsals.
  • Support Test Readiness Reviews and other operational certification activities.
• Ground Segment Support and Troubleshooting
  • Perform first-level troubleshooting of ground segment anomalies and operational issues.
  • Investigate, track, and process operational incident tickets.
  • Provide technical support to ESA ground segment users and operational teams.
  • Contribute to service restoration and anomaly resolution activities in a real-time operational environment.

Benefits

What we offer:

• Thriving Environment: A growing and international environment with diverse backgrounds to learn from, with a lot of social events.
• Work-Life Balance: Take advantage of our relocation support and 30 days of paid vacation.
• Develop yourself: Enjoy permanent employment with diverse opportunities for growth, with our training program and a German language course.
• Well being: Prioritize your well-being with access to our gym program, bike lease program, and company doctor services.
• Supportive Workplace: Experience our open-door policy and ISO 9001-certified workplace, where your voice is valued and your contributions recognized
• Rewards and Incentives: Receive a competitive salary, bonus scheme, deferred compensation scheme and sponsored public transportation tickets.

Our Values

SSC Space is a leading global provider of advanced space services, with more than 50 years of experience. We help space organizations, research institutes, commercial and institutional actors from all over the world to get access to space.

With local presence on all continents and about 750 committed employees, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications and satellite control services, spacecraft operations, rocket and balloon systems, launch services and flight test services, as well as engineering, operations and consultancy services for space missions.

We help Earth benefit from space. Learn more at sscspace.com