Spacecraft Operator

Argotec; San Mauro Torinese; Hybrid; EUR 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Monthly Free-Day on second Friday

Professional training and career dev

Job summary

Argotec seeks a motivated Spacecraft Operator to join the Flight Operations Unit in Italy. You will execute the Flight Operational Plan, monitor real-time health and safety of the satellite fleet, and manage ground station passes with optimized schedules.

You will help maintain planning tools and infrastructure, while adhering to safety protocols and 24/7 operation requirements. The role requires a degree in engineering/science, strong analytical and teamwork skills, and fluency in English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Experience with real-time operations and following precise procedures under time pressure.
• Proficiency in English, written and spoken; availability for shift work.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary operator on-console, performing real-time commanding and telemetry monitoring; manage ground station handovers.
• Generate and validate short-to-medium term mission schedules respecting payload requests and constraints.
• Execute Flight Operation Procedures for routine maintenance, orbit maneuvers, and payload activities with safety protocols.
• Support the Mission Data team in maintaining and upgrading the planning infrastructure and Mission Control System.
• Identify telemetry out-of-limits and schedule conflicts; escalate as needed to Flight Operations Engineer.
• Log out-of-limit telemetry and anomalies; open tickets for necessary remediation.
• Maintain detailed flight logs and provide shift handover briefings for 24/7 continuity.
• Participate in regular Sim-Ops and rehearsals to refine response times and procedures.

Skills

Telemetry interpretation

Shift readiness

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering/CS/Physics

Tools

Mission Control Software (SCOS-2000/CCS5/GEMS)

Python/Bash scripting

Telemetry databases (CSV/JSON)

Job description

DUTIES

To support our Company’s growth, we are looking for a motivated Spacecraft Operators who will be part of our Flight Operations Unit, ensuring that mission objectives are met through precise execution, continuous monitoring and proactive schedule management.

As a Spacecraft Operator, you will be responsible for the real‑time health and safety of our satellite fleet. You will operate on-console, executing the Flight Operational Plan, managing ground station passes and ensuring that mission schedules are optimized and conflict‑free. In addition, you will contribute to the maintenance and upgrade of the mission planning infrastructure and operational software tools.

The activities will include (but are not limited to):

• Act as the primary operator on-console, performing real-time commanding, telemetry monitoring, and ground station handover management;
• Generate and validate short-to-medium term mission schedules, ensuring all payload requests and platform constraints are respected;
• Execute Flight Operation Procedures (FOPs) for routine maintenance, orbit maneuvers, and payload activities with strict adherence to safety protocols;
• Support the Mission Data team in maintaining and upgrading the hardware and software infrastructure behind the planning system and Mission Control System (MCS);
• Identify telemetry out-of-limits (OOLs) or schedule conflicts; perform initial troubleshooting and elevate to the Flight Operations Engineer when necessary;
• Identify and log out‑of‑limit telemetry or unexpected behaviors; open anomaly tickets to involve the relevant teams and collaborate when required to ensure timely resolution;
• Maintain detailed flight logs and provide shift-handover briefings to ensure continuity of operations across the 24/7 cycle;
• Participate in regular “Sim‑Ops” and rehearsals to refine reaction times and procedural knowledge for nominal and contingency scenarios.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field;
• Proven ability to follow complex technical procedures with high precision under time‑sensitive conditions;
• Availability for shift work when required is essential, particularly during mission phases to ensure operational continuity;
• Analytical mindset and continuous learning attitude;
• Strong teamwork attitude and cross‑functional collaboration skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Ability to interpret real-time data visualizations and recognize patterns or anomalies in satellite telemetry;
• High‑level understanding of the space environment and of fundamental satellite operations concepts;
• Experience with Mission Control Software (e.g., SCOS‑2000, CCS5, GEMS, or similar) and Planning/Scheduling tools;
• Solid skills in Python or Bash for automating routine tasks and maintaining infrastructure scripts;
• Ability to query, manipulate, and analyse telemetry archives (time‑series data, packet‑level inspection, trend extraction);
• Familiarity with telemetry databases and data formats (e.g. TM/TC packet structures, CSV/JSON exports from MCS);
• Analytical thinking, strong problem‑solving skills and adaptability to fast operational dynamics.

ADDITIONAL ASSETS

• Familiarity with CCSDS protocols and ECSS operational standards;
• Familiarity with ground software automation (e.g., ASTRAL‑MOIS);
• Participation in early‑orbit or routine spacecraft operations.

WHY JOIN ARGOTEC?

• Opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a very innovative environment.
• Professional training and career development opportunities.
• Flexible working time schedule and a hybrid work policy.
• Monthly “Free-Day” - every second Friday: time off to dedicate to your family and/or hobbies.
• A diversified community that organizes extra‑work and fun activities.

SALARY RANGE:

28.000 - 35.000 EUR

Argotec reserves the right to assess the appropriate job level and compensation package based on objective criteria emerging throughout the selection process. These evaluations will be carried out in alignment with the candidate’s seniority, skills, and experience, as well as with the scope and responsibilities of the role. Any compensation proposal will be defined in compliance with the principles of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity, in accordance with applicable regulations.

_Our selection process is built on impartiality, transparency, and equal opportunity, ensuring that every candidate is evaluated based on skills, experience, and potential. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to protected categories (Law 68/99).

At Argotec, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. This opportunity is open to everyone, regardless, for instance, of ethnic or cultural background, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Join us in a workplace where everyone belongs.

This announcement is aimed at both sexes, under laws 903/77 and 125/91, and to people of all ages and all nationalities, under legislative decrees 215/03 and 216/03.