Spacecraft Controller (Astrophysics)

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA. Serco offers space capability across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies and New Space ventures who want to scale their businesses / organizations with skilled talent.

On behalf of our customer the European Space Agency, we are looking for Spacecraft Controller (Astrophysics) . You would be working on-site at ESOC’s site in Darmstadt.

This position forms part of the frontline spacecraft operations team for ESA astrophysics missions. As a Spacecraft Controller, you will ensure safe and efficient execution of telecommands and monitoring of spacecraft systems during live passes, contributing directly to mission success during routine and contingency operations.

Responsibilities :

• Monitor spacecraft health and status during real-time operational passes.
• Execute telecommands and verify telemetry in accordance with FOP.
• Respond to alerts and anomalies, escalating to SOEs or engineers as needed.
• Maintain console logs and anomaly reports post-pass.
• Track pass timelines, DSN / ESTRACK interfaces, and automation sequences.
• Ensure safe-mode and recovery operations are properly followed.
• Verify on-board system status across power, thermal, AOCS, and payload.
• Operate within the constraints of uplink schedules and visibility windows.
• Contribute to operations readiness testing and scenario rehearsals.
• Support LEOP, contingency, and eclipse monitoring periods.

Profile :

• BSc in Engineering, Physics, or Technical discipline (MSc desirable).
• 2+ years in real-time spacecraft operations (console or SPACON role).
• Familiar with SCOS-2000 / EGOS-CC operation environments.
• Understanding of TT&C, spacecraft automation, and operations safety constraints.
• Knowledge of satellite telemetry formats and packet handling.
• Strong situational awareness and calm under operational pressure.
• Experience with anomaly detection and first-level response.
• Able to work in rotating shifts (24 / 7 support).
• Comfortable operating procedures in both nominal and emergency cases.
• Good communication and handover logging discipline.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the EU.

Nice to have :

• Support to planetary missions (e.g. MEX, JUICE, INTEGRAL).
• Training certification in ESA real-time control room operations.

On Offer :

• Relocation allowance : including a one-way flight ticket, transportation from the airport to a temporary hotel, and one month of paid accommodation while securing permanent housing.
• Participation in pension and health scheme.
• 30 days of holiday.

Relocation :

Darmstadt, Germany, offers a central location in Europe, making it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air, with Frankfurt Airport being one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.

Serco GMBH offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to Germany and work for ESOC.

DE&I :

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Serco GMBH is based on a culture where every voice is heard, and every employee feels valued. Working together as one team, we can enhance the experience of our people and teams, improve the value of our solutions to better serve the missions of our customers, and make an impact in our world.

About Serco :

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the likes of ESA, CNES, EUMETSAT, EUSPA, ASI and NASA. We offer space capabilities across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies across Europe and the globe We work within the heart of the space sector so understand the challenges our customers face. When it comes to recruitment we are experts in sourcing the very best talent within space engineering, earth observation, satellite communications and cyber security. We have placed hundreds of people from post graduates through to C-suite executives into space agencies, satellite operators, manufacturers, system integrators, consultancies, earth observation / remote sensing, launch providers and much more.