Scheduling Officer

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Posting Start Date: 9 Feb 2026

Location: Darmstadt, DE

Company: Serco Plc

Introduction

At Serco, we don’t just support space exploration—we help make it possible. For decades, we’ve been a trusted partner at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, playing a vital role in some of the most ambitious space missions humanity has ever undertaken. From spacecraft operations to ground systems and data processing, our expertise has earned us recognition, including ESA’s prestigious Best in Domain awards.

Every day, we work hand-in-hand with ESA to ensure mission success and push the boundaries of innovation.

Now, we’re looking for someone who wants to be part of this story. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Scheduling Officer based at our customer site, ESOC.

Your Mission

As a Scheduling Officer, you will play a key role within our Network Operations Centre (NOC), contributing directly to the continuity of vital space operations. Our NOC provides 24/7 monitoring and control of Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) stations across the ESTRACK ground station network, supporting spacecraft missions operated by ESA.

You will also be part of the team delivering Operational IT and Operational Control Centre services at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. In this mission-critical environment, you will help ensure that the planning, coordination, and execution of operational activities run smoothly and reliably—enabling successful space missions around the clock.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Routine planning and automation of operational schedules
Re-planning activities in response to operational changes
Compiling and validating mission support requirements
Managing support requests to internal and external third parties
Executing real-time scheduling changes when required
Maintaining planning procedures, documentation, and operational guidelines
Updating and administering the scheduling website
Producing regular reports and operational updates
Handling incidents in coordination with relevant teams
Supporting LEOP (Launch and Early Orbit Phase) activities
Supporting the overall management and delivery of operational services

In this dynamic environment, your work will directly contribute to the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of ESA missions.

What You'll Bring

To be successful in this role, you will ideally hold a university degree (or equivalent) in engineering or another relevant discipline, or bring extensive professional experience in a comparable operational environment. A strong background in end‑to‑end ground station systems supporting spacecraft operations is highly desirable.

You will demonstrate:

  • Proven experience in planning and scheduling multi‑user, multi‑purpose, shared ground resources
  • Solid knowledge of end‑to‑end ground station systems for spacecraft operations
  • Fluency in English, both written and spoken
  • A self‑starter mindset, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and management personnel as part of a small, mission‑critical team
  • Excellent organisational abilities, capable of prioritising and managing multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Willingness to work occasional shifts, depending on operational needs
  • Robust IT knowledge, including Linux (GUI and CLI), networking concepts, and commonly used tools and software applications
  • A service‑oriented mentality, with a strong understanding of KPI‑driven service environments
  • High level of PC literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

What We Offer: More Than Just a Job

Joining Serco at ESOC isn’t just about the work—it’s about the experience. We know that moving for a role like this is a big step, so we make sure you’re supported every step of the way:

  • 30% discount on the Deutschland ticket for easy travel.
  • Subsidised Wellpass – access to 12,500+ fitness and wellness options across Germany.
  • Pension and health schemes.
  • 30 days of holiday for balance and exploration.

 

This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to build a career in space operations while enjoying a lifestyle that supports you every step of the way.