SMP Simulation Expert

Leonardo; Darmstadt; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Telespazio Germany seeks a Software Engineer to develop advanced satellite simulation software for ESOC in Darmstadt. You will design C++ models for subsystems, maintain high-performance environments used by ESA and partners, and translate complex hardware docs into executable software.

The role combines hands-on development with mentoring junior engineers and leadership responsibilities for mission simulators, requiring strong English and ECSS familiarity.

Qualifications

• Strong C++ programming and object-oriented design skills.
• Ability to read and summarize complex spacecraft documentation.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading small teams.
• Professional English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate design, development, and maintenance of C++ satellite subsystem models.
• Translate spacecraft docs into functional software for Linux environments.
• Lead software life cycle from design to validation for ESA/EUMETSAT.
• Oversee junior engineers and distribute tasks within the team.
• Participate in milestones and track discrepancies (RIDs).
• Ensure simulators meet high-fidelity performance requirements.

Skills

C++

OO Design

English

Leadership

Mentoring

Tools

SIMUS/SIMSAT runtime

CI/CD tools (Maven, GitLab, Nexus, SonarQube)

Job description

Job Description:

Telespazio Germany is seeking a passionate Software Engineer to develop advanced satellite simulation software in an international, informal environment directly supporting ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt.

You will bridge the gap between computer science and aerospace by designing reliable C++ models for satellite subsystems and maintaining the high-performance software environments used by ESA, EUMETSAT, and Galileo.

This role combines hands-on technical development with the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and take on leadership responsibilities for critical mission simulators. We value curiosity and the ability to translate complex hardware documentation into sophisticated software solutions that meet the evolving demands of the space domain.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the design, development, and maintenance of efficient C++ code for satellite subsystem models.

• Translate technical spacecraft documentation into functional software models for Linux-based environments.

• Lead the software life cycle from initial design through to validation and maintenance for customers like ESA and EUMETSAT.

• Oversee the work of junior engineers and manage task distribution across the development team.

• Participate in project milestones, including technical reviews and the tracking of Review Items for Discrepancies (RIDs).

• Ensure simulators meet evolving performance demands for high-fidelity mission training and validation.

• Liaise with ESA technical leads to align software delivery with mission operational concepts.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Extensive experience in spacecraft model development using the ECSS SMP (or SMP2) standard.

• Advanced proficiency in C++ programming and Object-Oriented Design (UML/UMF).

• Proven ability to understand and summarize complex spacecraft technical documentation.

• Strong background in requirements management and tracing throughout the software life cycle.

• Experience mentoring junior staff and leading small technical teams.

• Logical and pragmatic problem-solving skills.

• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with the ESA/ESOC SIMULUS suite and the SIMSAT runtime kernel.

• Experience with modern CI/CD tools such as Maven, GitLab, Nexus, and SonarQube.

• Knowledge of Space Engineering Standards (ECSS-E-ST-40) and the Packet Utilisation Standard (ECSS-E-70).

• Background in the GNSS/Navigation field or satellite AIV (Assembly, Integration, and Verification).

• Understanding of spacecraft databases, such as SCOS MIB or EGS-CC CDM.

Furthermore

• A citizenship of an EU or ESA member state is mandatory.

Seniority:

Primary Location:

DE - Darmstadt - Europahaus

Additional Locations:

Contract Type:

Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working: