Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Copernicus Team - CO2M)

Leonardo S.p.A.; Darmstadt; Hybrid; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Spacecraft Operations Engineer role at Leonardo in Darmstadt, onsite at EUMETSAT, supports the CO2M Copernicus mission. You will operate in a multinational team, developing and validating flight procedures, managing AOCS, and performing payload characterisation and calibration.

The role requires hands-on experience with LEO operations, SCOS-2000, spacecraft simulators, and data trending using Python, MATLAB, and SQL. English fluency and strong cross-functional communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Several years of hands-on experience in LEO spacecraft operations, including 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.

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

AOCS

Payload operations

Python

MATLAB

SQL

English

Ground segment concepts

CCSDS/ECSS standards

Tools

SCOS-2000

Spacecraft simulators

Job description

Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Copernicus Team - CO2M)This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Please read our privacy policy for more information.### Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Copernicus Team - CO2M)Apply: DE - Darmstadt - EUMETSAT: Full time: Posted Today: R0030305**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### About UsInternational, 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!