Spacecraft Simulator Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Darmstadt; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo UK Ltd is seeking a highly skilled professional to join the service team responsible for the long-term operational support of spacecraft simulators used by operations engineers. You will combine a strong service mindset with systems engineering expertise to ensure simulator availability and fitness for operational use, while closely collaborating with domain specialists.

You will progressively develop domain expertise in spacecraft simulators through sustained involvement in operational

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a technical field (Aerospace, CS, Physics).
• Strong service mindset and teamwork skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Ability to ensure system availability and performance.
• Hands-on systems engineering across design, implementation, and operations.
• Experience with Linux-based systems and IT infra (virtualization, networks).
• Scripting/programming in Groovy/Python/Bash/C/C++.
• Experience with configuration management in operational settings.
• Very good English language skills.
• Must be able to obtain security clearance for EU/USA export controls.
• Willingness to work partially onsite at ESA/ESOC or EUMETSAT in Darmstadt.

Responsibilities

• Perform systems engineering for operational spacecraft simulators for ESA/ESOC and EUMETSAT.
• Ensure simulator availability, reliability and fitness for operation.
• Coordinate IT infra preparation for deployment of simulators.
• Deploy and configure spacecraft simulators.
• Conduct acceptance testing campaigns and formal reviews.
• Support operations engineers with simulator use, anomaly investigations and scenario prep.
• Support procurement, development and maintenance in simulators domain.
• Harmonize processes, tools and tech across simulators.

Skills

Linux systems

Programming: Python Bash Groovy C/C++

Docker Podman

Git Gitlab CI/CD

System engineering

Operational support

Communication

Export control clearance

On-site Darmstadt

English proficiency

Education

MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics

Tools

Virtualization

Networks

CFDP

Mission control interfaces

Git/Gitlab CI/CD

Job description

Job Description:

This role is part of a service team responsible for the long‑term operational support of spacecraft simulators used by spacecraft operations engineers. The successful candidate will combine a strong service mindset with systems engineering skills and interest in the space domain, working closely with operations users to ensure simulator availability, reliability, and fitness for operational use. The role offers the opportunity and expectation to progressively develop domain expertise in spacecraft simulators through sustained involvement in operational environments and close collaboration with experienced domain specialists.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform systems engineering activities for operational spacecraft simulators for intergovernmental organizations such as ESA/ESOC and EUMETSAT.
• Ensure the sustained availability, reliability, and fitness for operational use of spacecraft simulators throughout their service lifetime.
• Coordinate the preparation and validation of IT infrastructure required for deployment of spacecraft simulators.
• Conduct deployments and configuration of spacecraft simulators.
• Conduct acceptance testing campaigns of spacecraft simulators, including formal review processes.
• Support spacecraft operations engineers with simulator use, anomaly investigation and scenario preparation.
• Support procurement, development and maintenance activities in the spacecraft simulators domain.
• Contribute to the harmonization of processes, tools and technologies across spacecraft simulators.
• Define, prepare, and manage configuration items and baselines for spacecraft simulators.
• Integrate spacecraft simulators with ground segment components, including mission control systems and CFDP.
• Coordinate and contribute to the security certification processes for spacecraft simulator systems, as well as the operation of those systems.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Degree (MSc or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong service-oriented mindset.
• Excellent teamworking and communication skills.
• Ability to take responsibility for system availability and performance.
• Hands‑on experience in system engineering, including definition, design, implementation, verification/validation and operation.
• Experience with Linux‑based systems and supporting IT infrastructure (e.g. virtualization, containers, networks).
• Experience with programming or scripting (e.g. Groovy, Python, Bash, C/C++) relevant to integration, anomaly investigations, or support tooling.
• Experience in configuration management practices in operational settings.
• Very good command of English, written and spoken.
• Ability to be cleared for access to information under export control of EU, EU member states, and USA.
• Ability to work partially onsite at ESA/ESOC or EUMETSAT in Darmstadt.

Desirable Skills and Qualifications

• Experience supporting spacecraft simulators in an operational environment.
• Experience with ground segment environments, including mission control systems and interfacing components.
• Experience using or developing spacecraft simulators for operations, validation, or training.
• Experience working directly with system end users, translating operational needs into technical solutions.
• Experience with long‑term system provision, including anomaly investigation, maintenance, upgrades, and operational continuity.
• Experience with security certification processes for operational systems.
• Experience in spacecraft systems and spacecraft operations.
• Experience in Linux system administration.
• Experience using Git for version control, as well as Gitlab CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with Docker or podman.
• Experience producing technical documentation such as user manuals and test reports.

Experience configuring and using ground segment systems, such as mission control systems and CFDP.

Seniority:

Expert

Primary Location:

DE - Darmstadt - Europahaus

Contract Type:

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid