Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer - CO2M

Job Introduction

Serco has made significant contributions at EUMETSAT in Darmstadt, supporting a diverse range of meteorological satellite missions and projects. Serco provides essential engineering, technical, and management services, playing a crucial role in the operation and maintenance of satellite ground segments. Its expertise in satellite control, data processing, and system integration has earned the company accolades, including “Excellence in Service” awards from EUMETSAT. Serco’s dedicated efforts ensure the reliable dissemination of vital weather and climate data, underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of meteorological satellite operations.

We are looking for an experienced and talented Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer to join our Copernicus Spacecraft Operations Engineering team. The position offers the unique opportunity to support the ramp-up of the new CO2M satellite mission. The nature of the tasks will encompass both operations preparation during the ramp-up phase before moving into operational support once the mission is live.

Key Responsibilites

Operations Preparation

• Requirements analysis and concept development;
• Mission operations data production;
• Mission operations data validation;
• Operations team build-up and training;
• Operational validation;
• Operational configuration management;
• Operations execution (support to LEOP, commissioning, handover, and routine phase operations).

Operations

• Prepare for and execute all relevant Copernicus Sentinel routine operations in a SCOS-2000 environment, as well as prepare for recurrent satellite handover activities;
• Perform the maintenance, validation, and documentation of space segment asset updates;
• Interface with all other flight operations teams such as MCS, mission planning, and FDF, as well as with external operational entities and services;
• Operate all satellite and FOS/PDGS/PDAB components related to operations engineering for the platform, payload, and instruments, including data handling, instrument parameters, OBSW maintenance, as well as FDIR and OPS security aspects;
• Plan and schedule satellite operations in coordination with other teams;
• Continuously monitor spacecraft performance and status;
• Participate in anomaly investigation and resolution;
• Report on and analyse satellite system performance;
• Provide proficiency training for engineers using the space and ground segment simulators;
• Ensure the on-call operations engineer rota so that safe and efficient operations are maintained by the Spacecraft Operations Team on a 24/7 basis.

Skills

• At least 5 years’ experience in spacecraft operations, preferably on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) spacecraft, with a focus on spacecraft system operations and responsibility for one or more platform subsystems (DHS, PDHT, EQPT – no need for AOCS in this round) and one or more payloads during operational validation, commissioning, or routine operations phases;
• Experience in spacecraft operations preparation, preferably for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions, with responsibility for the development and validation of operational baselines (procedures, databases, etc.), including validation tools (e.g. spacecraft simulators) and ground segment M&C facilities;
• Experience in satellite performance monitoring and reporting, including anomaly analysis and resolution in liaison with satellite industry partners, procedure change control, and configuration management processes;
• Experience in the operation or development of satellite ground segment facilities, in particular procedure development, monitoring and control, mission planning, on-board software management, performance analysis, configuration management, and simulator facilities;
• Good knowledge of SCOS-2000 mission control systems;
• In-depth knowledge of relevant standards and protocols (CCSDS and ECSS);
• Familiarity with File-Based Operations;
• Programming and scripting skills in languages such as Python, MATLAB, and SQL/MySQL;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
• Ability to work independently, combined with good communication skills;
• Fluency in English.

Package Description

• Relocation allowance (flight to Germany, airport transport, one month paid accommodation).
• Hybrid working model for flexibility. 
• 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.
• Corporate Benefits discounts
• 30 days of holiday for balance and exploration.