Astrophysics Missions Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Job Description:

As part of the new ESOC FOE Astrophysics missions’ contract, due to start on 01/01/2027, we are seeking to expand our Spacecraft Operations Engineering Team, specifically for our support to a wide range of CubeSats.

Depending on the experience of the candidate, they will be assigned to one or more missions and have responsibility for a number of Spacecraft subsystems and Ground Segment Systems.

Key Responsibilities

The general activities to be supported by this service are, to be tailored to their profile and expertise: 

Study of Project-specific Characteristics and Ground Segment Documentation

Participation in the Analysis and Design of Satellite Operations

Generation and validation of Flight Control Procedures

Mission Management and Mission Planning Support Service

Support for Ground Segment Systems evolution and testing (e.g. MCS, SIM and MPS)

Participation in the team Training Program

Routine Payload & Platform Operations

Participation in all Mission Critical Operations

General Flight Control Support Service

Spacecraft Performance Analysis

Participation in the on-call service

Essential Skills and Qualifications

University degree or equivalent education in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Telecommunications Engineering. Telecommunications Engineering.

Experience in Spacecraft operations.

Proven experience with ESOC internal and external interfaces

Experience with system-level tasks and a system-minded attitude

Ability to investigate technical issues methodically and contribute to operational improvements.

Fluency in English, both written and spoken

Experience in programming FPGAs.

Experience in embedded programming

Ability to work independently.

Desirable Skills

Experience within a spacecraft operations centre or mission control environment, in particular with the ESOC environment.

Experience working with international partners, customers, or multidisciplinary engineering.

Experience with the operation of CubeSats.

Programming skills in Java, Python & Linux scripting

Furthermore

Start date 01/10/2026 or 01/01/2027

EU applications only.

CV in the latest Europass format

Seniority: Expert

Primary Location: DE - Darmstadt - ESOC

Contract Type: Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working: Onsite