Spacecraft Operations Engineer

European Space Agency - ESA; Darmstadt; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

An leading space organization based in Germany is looking for a skilled Spacecraft Operations Engineer to manage and implement spacecraft operations for Copernicus missions. Candidates with a master's degree in engineering or physics, and at least three years of flight operations experience are encouraged to apply. This role requires strong teamwork skills and the ability to work autonomously in a dynamic environment. The position offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to Earth observation missions.

Qualifikationen

• Minimum of three years direct experience in flight operations.
• Demonstrated experience in planning tools for multi-instrument planning.
• Experience interfacing with external and international partners for instrument operations.

Aufgaben

• Assist in the definition, preparation, and execution of missions operations.
• Act as Acting SOM when delegated.
• Provide support to ESA programmes and activities related to mission operations.

Kenntnisse

Knowledge of mission, spacecraft and/or payload operations

Understanding of the development and maintenance of ground infrastructure and/or software systems

Knowledge of large operations and associated software systems, preferably space‑based

Teamwork capacity

High level of self-motivation and autonomy

Ausbildung

Master's degree in engineering or physics

Jobbeschreibung

Location

ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Description

Spacecraft Operations Engineer in the Earth Observation Missions Division, Mission Operations Department, Directorate of Operations (D/OPS).

The Earth Observation Missions Division is responsible for the management, definition and implementation of spacecraft operations and the flight operations segment of Copernicus Sentinels, typically from the start of phase B through in‑flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of the mission.

Duties

You will initially be assigned to the Copernicus Sentinels Imaging Missions Operations Unit within the Earth Observation Missions Division and will report hierarchically to the Head of Unit and functionally to the missions Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM). The Unit is currently entrusted with the satellite operations of Sentinel‑2, Sentinel‑2NG, LSTM and CHIME.

Your tasks will include the following:

• Assisting the SOMs in the definition, preparation and execution of the missions operations assigned to the Unit including nominal, special and contingency operations, spacecraft and ground segment anomaly investigation and resolution, performance evaluation and reporting;
• Performing the role of Acting SOM when delegated;
• Assisting the SOMs in the specification, development, validation, maintenance and evolution of the ground segment systems and operational products required to conduct mission operations;
• Interfacing with other areas within the Agency, industry, the user community, external centres and/or agencies for all aspects relating to your area of responsibility;
• Providing expert and functional support to ESA programmes and activities, for example as Operations Architect, in the area of mission operations, ground and system validation, and space‑to‑ground interfaces in line with ESA’s matrix organisation;
• Providing support to the SOMs/Head of Unit in discharging the Unit’s mandate and preparing for new missions to be operated by the Unit/Division. This may include participation in reviews, preparations and operations of other missions delegated to the Unit, the Division or the Department, and support to other D/OPS or ESA activities.

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of mission, spacecraft and/or payload operations;
• Understanding of the development and maintenance of ground infrastructure and/or software systems;
• Knowledge of large operations and associated software systems, preferably space‑based.

Behavioural Competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Education

A master's degree in engineering or physics is required for this post.

Additional Requirements

• Have a minimum of three years direct experience in flight operations;
• Have demonstrated experience in planning tools used for multi‑instrument planning, including development, tailoring/configuration, setup and automation;
• Have demonstrated experience interfacing with external and international partners for matters relating to instrument operations;
• Demonstrate a strong capacity for teamwork;
• Have a high level of self‑motivation and autonomy and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [e-mail].

Important Information and Disclaimer

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2‑A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

When short‑listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.