Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Earth Explorers)
Serco Space Services - Europe Careers
Datum: vor 1 Tag
Stadt: Darmstadt, Hesse
Vertragstyp: Ganztags
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 a Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Earth Explorers). You would be working on-site at ESOC’s site in Darmstadt.
This position will support the operational preparation and execution phases of Earth Explorer and Earth Watch missions. You will contribute to platform and payload procedure development, simulator configuration, anomaly investigations, and coordination of validation campaigns in collaboration with FCT and Ground Segment teams.
Responsibilities
Nice To Have
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.
On behalf of our customer the European Space Agency, we are looking for a Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Earth Explorers). You would be working on-site at ESOC’s site in Darmstadt.
This position will support the operational preparation and execution phases of Earth Explorer and Earth Watch missions. You will contribute to platform and payload procedure development, simulator configuration, anomaly investigations, and coordination of validation campaigns in collaboration with FCT and Ground Segment teams.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain operational procedures (FOPs) for the spacecraft platform and payload systems.
- Execute validation campaigns including SVTs, SOVTs, and system-level test readiness reviews.
- Lead configuration of the operational simulator, MCS, and planning tool interfaces (EGOS-CC).
- Maintain the telemetry and command database (ODB/MIB) and support updates as per mission phases.
- Manage operational input to anomaly investigations, CRBs/ARBs, and implement recovery strategies.
- Coordinate with Ground Segment and SOC teams for tool validation, configuration alignment, and interface testing.
- Support OBSM patch definition, memory load testing, and validation with real hardware/simulator chains.
- Contribute to FOS maintenance, tool regression testing, and version control across uplink chains.
- Validate and test GS upgrades, including MCS plug-in changes and post-patch system integrity.
- Interface with subsystem leads (thermal, power, AOCS, DH, RF) to ensure system behaviour aligns with mission requirements.
- MSc in Aerospace, Systems, or Electrical Engineering.
- 3+ years in spacecraft operations preparation or routine mission ops (ESA environment preferred).
- In-depth knowledge of SCOS-2000 and EGOS-CC, including simulator and MCS configuration.
- Strong technical understanding of spacecraft platforms, instrument operations, and EGSE setups.
- Hands-on experience with OBSM, OBCP patching, and command sequence validation.
- Familiarity with ground system test planning, execution, and report documentation.
- Experience in anomaly root-cause analysis and command execution monitoring.
- Competent in telemetry trend analysis, health tracking, and reporting tools (WebMUST, Python preferred).
- Proven skills in writing and maintaining mission operations documentation (ORR/CRR readiness).
- Able to work closely with cross-functional teams (FCT, GS, SOC) and manage technical interfaces
Nice To Have
- Previous ops prep work on FLEX, EarthCARE, or BIOMASS.
- Experience coordinating with external GS partners (e.g., EUMETSAT).
- Knowledge of CCSDS/PUS TM/TC services for payload commanding.
- 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.
- Hybrid working model.
- 30% subvention on Deutschland ticket.
- Gym membership discount.
- Participation in pension and health scheme.
- 30 days of holiday.
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.
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