Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Description
Spacecraft Operations Engineer in the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Division, Mission Operations Department, Directorate of Operations.
The Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division is responsible for the design, implementation and operations of the mission operations ground segment and the spacecraft operations for Science and selected Space Safety programme missions in the area of operations, typically from the start of phase B through in-flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of mission.
Duties
You will initially be assigned to the PLATO and ARIEL Missions Operations Unit within the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division, which is tasked with all mission operations activities in the development and post launch phases. The PLATO and ARIEL missions are Science Directorate exoplanet missions currently in the development phase, and due for launch in the 2026 and 2029 timeframes. You will report hierarchically to the Head of Unit and functionally to the mission’s Spacecraft Operations Manager, if different from the Head of Unit.
Your tasks will include the following:
- Assisting the Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM) in the definition, preparation and execution of the mission operations assigned to the Unit including nominal, special and contingency operations, spacecraft and ground segment anomaly investigation and resolution, performance evaluation and reporting;
- Acting SOM when delegated the role;
- Assisting the SOM in the specification, development, validation, maintenance and evolution of the ground segment systems and operational products required to conduct mission operations;
- Interfacing with other areas in the Agency, industry, the user community, external centres and/or agencies for all aspects related to your area of responsibility;
- Providing expertise and support to other areas in the Agency, industry, the user community, external centres and/or agencies in the domains of mission operations, ground segment and system validation, and space-to-ground interfaces;
- Providing support to the SOM/Head of Unit in discharging the Unit’s mandate and preparing for new missions to be operated by the Unit/Division. This may include participation in reviews, preparations and operations of other missions delegated to the Unit, the Division or the Department, and support for other Directorate or ESA activities.
Technical competencies
General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
Knowledge of mission, spacecraft and/or payload operations
Understanding of development and maintenance of ground infrastructure and/or software systems
Knowledge of large operations and associated software systems, preferably space-based
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s degree in engineering or physics is required for this post.
Additional requirements
Experience with both spacecraft platform and subsystem operations is required.
Launch/LEOP experience in an operational capacity would be considered an asset, as would experience with ground segment operations and/or development.
You should be system-minded, able to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, self-motivated, self-disciplined and results-oriented. Flexibility, adaptability and task prioritisation are required in order to deal with a multi-subject/multi-project operational environment. In addition, applicants are required to demonstrate strong communication and relationship management skills to show that they are able to interface with multiple counterparts.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures.
Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
