Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Copernicus Team - CO2M)

Telespazio Germany GmbH; Darmstadt; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo in Darmstadt near EUMETSAT is seeking a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to join the Copernicus Operations Engineering team on-site. You will oversee LEO operations, AOCS, and payload instrument activities while coordinating with international partners to support climate monitoring missions.

Role requires hands-on operational experience, familiarity with SCOS-2000 and CCSDS/ECSS standards, and strong scripting in Python, MATLAB, and SQL for automation and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting LEO spacecraft operations, including OPS Prep.
• Strong knowledge of AOCS and payload instrument operations (characterisation, calibration, verification).
• Familiarity with ground segment control systems and CCSDS/ECSS standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain Flight Operations Procedures (FOPs) and operational baselines across all LEO mission phases.
• Manage Attitude and Orbit Control Systems (AOCS) and perform payload characterisation, calibration, and performance verification.
• Utilize spacecraft simulators for procedure validation and leverage ground segment systems, SCOS-2000, CCSDS/ECSS standards, and file-based operations.
• Apply Python, MATLAB, and SQL scripting to automate routine operations, analyze data trends, and streamline mission performance tracking.
• Coordinate across spacecraft engineering, mission analysis, and external partner teams in a multinational environment.

Skills

LEO spacecraft operations

OPS Prep

AOCS

payload instrument operations

ground segment operations

multinational collaboration

Tools

SCOS-2000

CCSDS/ECSS standards

Python

MATLAB

SQL

Job description

Job Description: We are recruiting a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to join our Copernicus Operations Engineering team on-site at EUMETSAT in Darmstadt in support of the CO2M mission. This is a unique opportunity to operate a next-generation Copernicus satellite dedicated to tracking man-made CO₂ and NO₂ emissions from space and contribute to real-world climate action.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, validate, and maintain Flight Operations Procedures (FOPs) and operational baselines across all LEO mission phases. Manage Attitude and Orbit Control Systems (AOCS) and perform payload characterisation, calibration, and performance verification. Utilize spacecraft simulators for procedure validation and leverage ground segment systems, SCOS-2000, CCSDS/ECSS standards, and file-based operations. Apply Python, MATLAB, and SQL scripting to automate routine operations, analyze data trends, and streamline mission performance tracking. Coordinate across spacecraft engineering, mission analysis, and external partner teams in a multinational environment.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

Several years of hands-on experience in LEO spacecraft operations, including Operations Preparation (OPS Prep). Good expertise in AOCS and hands-on payload instrument operations (characterisation, calibration, verification). Proficiency with SCOS-2000, spacecraft simulators, ground segment control systems, and CCSDS/ECSS standards. Strong proficiency in Python, MATLAB, and SQL for automation and data trending. Fluency in English (written and spoken) with excellent cross-functional communication skills.

Desirable Skills

Prior experience with Earth observation missions or Copernicus satellite operations. Background in file-based operational workflows and advanced mission analysis. Furthermore Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within multinational, distributed engineering teams. Passion for contributing to space-based environmental monitoring and climate action initiatives.

Seniority: Expert Primary Location: DE - Darmstadt - EUMETSAT Contract Type: Employee-Permanent Hybrid Working: Onsite International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo. The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know-how across the generations. Leonardo always wants to expand its talent pool, here you can find the right opportunity for you!