Job Description: MOI-IT System Engineer Description The Mission Operations IT (MOI-IT) infrastructure provides the critical IT services supporting ESA's spacecraft operations, mission preparation activities and ground segment engineering. The infrastructure includes on-premises cloud platforms, virtualisation, Linux systems, container platforms, storage, networking, monitoring and automation services used by multiple ESA missions. As an MOI-IT System Engineer, you will contribute to the design, deployment, operation and continuous evolution of highly available IT platforms supporting mission-critical operations. Working in a multidisciplinary team, you will participate throughout the entire system lifecycle, from requirements engineering and architecture to implementation, validation and operational support.
Duties
- Reporting to the Head of Section, your responsibilities will include:
- Designing and maintaining mission-critical IT infrastructure supporting ESA spacecraft operations.
- Engineering Linux-based server platforms and virtual infrastructure.
- Designing, deploying and operating Kubernetes-based container platforms.
- Managing enterprise storage solutions, including Ceph and distributed storage technologies.
- Maintaining databases and associated backup and recovery solutions.
- Developing Infrastructure-as-Code and configuration management solutions using Ansible and Git.
- Designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines for automated software deployment.
- Integrating systems with LDAP/Active Directory identity management services.
- Implementing secure authentication, certificate lifecycle management and PKI solutions.
- Supporting mission-specific IT environments during development, validation and operations.
- Performing system integration, acceptance testing and operational readiness activities.
- Monitoring system performance, analysing incidents and performing root-cause investigations.
- Providing second- and third-line engineering support for operational services.
- Producing High-Level Designs (HLD), Low-Level Designs (LLD), operational procedures and technical documentation.
- Supporting technology evolution projects and infrastructure modernisation initiatives.
- Contributing to cybersecurity hardening following ESA security policies and industry best practices.
- Participating in technical reviews, design reviews and anomaly investigations.
Technical Environment
- The successful candidate will work with technologies such as:
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) / Ubuntu / SLES
- Kubernetes Podman / LXD
- Containers
- Ceph Storage
- VMware / KVM virtualisation
- PostgreSQL / MySQL / MariaDB
- Git
- Ansible
- Jenkins / GitLab CI
- Python / Bash scripting
- Prometheus & Grafana
- LDAP / Active Directory
- PKI & TLS Certificates
- NGINX
- DNS, DHCP, NTP
- Enterprise Networking
- SAN/NAS storage
- Monitoring and logging platforms
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering or a related discipline.
- Several years of professional experience in Linux systems engineering.
- Experience designing and operating highly available IT infrastructures.
- Experience with container orchestration technologies, preferably Kubernetes.
- Experience with automation and Infrastructure-as-Code.
- Good understanding of networking principles.
- Experience with enterprise storage technologies.
- Knowledge of database administration.
- Experience with scripting using Python or Bash.
- Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
- Good analytical and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Excellent communication skills in English.
Desirable Experience
- Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset:
- Space mission operations
- Ground segment engineering
- High-performance computing
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud-native technologies
- Distributed storage systems
- Identity and Access Management
- Disaster Recovery planning
- Operational monitoring systems
- Service Management (ITIL)
- Agile and DevOps methodologies
Behavioural Competencies
- Results Orientation
- Problem Solving
- Continuous Improvement
- Teamwork
- Customer Focus
- Innovation
- Planning and Organisation
- Technical Excellence
What We Offer
You will contribute to the IT infrastructure supporting ESA's scientific and operational missions, working with modern technologies in a highly collaborative international environment. The role provides opportunities to influence the evolution of mission-critical infrastructure through automation, cloud-native technologies, cybersecurity and systems engineering while supporting some of Europe\'s most important space programmes. This profile also aligns well with current MOI-IT activities at ESOC, including Linux platform engineering, Kubernetes, on-premises cloud infrastructure, automation, secure access management, storage, networking, and operational support.
Seniority and Location
Seniority: Senior
Primary Location: DE - Darmstadt - ESOC
Contract Type: Hybrid
Working: Hybrid 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!