Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Copernicus Team - CO2M)

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

Job summary

EUMETSAT in Darmstadt is seeking a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to join the Copernicus Operations Engineering team on-site in support of the CO2M mission. You will operate a next-generation Copernicus satellite dedicated to tracking man-made CO₂ and NO₂ emissions, coordinating across multinational teams and ensuring flight operations procedures and AOCS readiness.

Expert-level hands-on experience with LEO operations, AOCS, SCOS-2000, and scripting in Python/MATLAB/SQL is essential to automate

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in LEO spacecraft operations.
• Expertise in AOCS and payload instrument operations including characterisation, calibration and verification.
• Proficiency with SCOS-2000, spacecraft simulators, ground segment control systems, and CCSDS/ECSS standards.
• Strong Python, MATLAB, and SQL skills for automation and data trending.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain Flight Operations Procedures and operational baselines across all LEO mission phases.
• Manage Attitude and Orbit Control Systems (AOCS) and perform payload characterisation, calibration, and 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 ops

OPS Prep

AOCS

Payload ops

SCOS-2000

Spacecraft simulators

Ground systems

CCSDS/ECSS

Python

MATLAB

SQL

English

Tools

SCOS-2000

Spacecraft simulators

Ground segment control

CCSDS/ECSS

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