Spacecraft Operations Engineer - Copernicus Missions (f/m/d)

SSC Space; Darmstadt; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

30 days paid vacation

German language course

Gym program

Bike lease program

Company doctor services

ISO 9001-certified workplace

Job summary

SSC Space is seeking a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to support Copernicus Sentinel-3, Sentinel-6 and CO2M missions at EUMETSAT in Darmstadt, Germany. The role covers routine spacecraft operations, preparation, commissioning and recurrent satellite activities in a dynamic, international environment.

The ideal candidate holds a relevant university degree and has hands-on spacecraft operations experience, preferably with LEO and three-axis stabilised platforms, plus strong English skills and

Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent in aerospace engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience in spacecraft operations, preferably with LEO, 3-axis stabilised spacecraft.
• Experience in two or more areas: spacecraft operations/subsystems, SCOS-2000/MOIS, performance monitoring/anomaly investigation/configuration control, ground segment ops including monitoring/control, planning, on-board software or simulators.

Responsibilities

• Support routine monitoring and control of spacecraft and ground segment systems.
• Monitor spacecraft performance, investigate anomalies and support recovery activities.
• Prepare, validate and maintain operational procedures, databases and related documentation.
• Support satellite activity planning and coordination with mission planning, flight dynamics, ground segment and other operations teams.
• Contribute to operations preparation, validation, simulations, commissioning and handover activities.
• Participate in on-call operations engineering rota and out-of-hours support when required.

Skills

Spacecraft operations

LEO 3-axis stabilised

SCOS MOIS

Anomaly investigation

Ground segment operations

ECSS/PUS concepts

MATLAB scripting

English proficiency

Education

University degree in aerospace engineering

Tools

SCOS-2000

MOIS

MATLAB

Job description

Spacecraft Operations Engineer - Copernicus Missions (f/m/d)

Start Date: Q1 2027
Location: EUMETSAT, Darmstadt, Germany
Requirement: EU Citizenship
Working hours: Full time, 40h/week
Submission deadline: 2026-11-13

Description

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.

We are looking for a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to support satellite operations engineering activities for the Copernicus Sentinel-3, Sentinel-6 and CO2M missions at EUMETSAT. The role covers routine spacecraft operations as well as operations preparation, commissioning and recurrent satellite activities.

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 or equivalent in aerospace engineering, telecommunications, electronics, physics or another relevant technical discipline.
• Experience in spacecraft operations, preferably with LEO, 3-axis stabilised spacecraft.
• Experience in at least two of the following areas:
  • Spacecraft operations and responsibility for platform subsystems or payloads;
  • SCOS-2000 and/or MOIS;
  • Spacecraft performance monitoring, anomaly investigation and configuration/change control;
  • Satellite ground segment operations or development, including monitoring and control, mission planning, on-board software or simulators.
• Ability to work methodically and effectively in an operational environment, including under time-critical conditions.
• Experience with ECSS/PUS concepts, spacecraft operations preparation, MATLAB or scripting/automation tools would be an advantage.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Support routine monitoring and control of spacecraft and associated ground segment systems.
• Monitor spacecraft performance, investigate anomalies and support recovery activities.
• Prepare, validate and maintain operational procedures, databases and related documentation.
• Support satellite activity planning and coordination with mission planning, flight dynamics, ground segment and other operations teams.
• Contribute to operations preparation, validation, simulations, commissioning and handover activities.
• Participate in the on-call operations engineering rota and, when required, out-of-hours operational support.

Benefits

• 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.

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