Spacecraft Simulator Engineer

Leonardo; Darmstadt; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo in Darmstadt is seeking an expert-level systems engineer to provide long-term operational support for spacecraft simulators. You will ensure availability and performance, deploy and validate IT infrastructure, and work closely with operations users to deliver reliable simulators for intergovernmental programs.

The role emphasizes hands-on system engineering, Linux infrastructure, scripting, and collaboration with domain specialists to maintain operational readiness and safety.

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.

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.

Skills

System engineering

Linux

Scripting

Python

C/C++

Git

CI/CD

Docker

Podman

Documentation

English

Communication

Teamwork

Export control clearance

Education

MSc in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Docker

Podman

Git

Gitlab CI/CD

Virtualization

Networking

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