Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Job Introduction

Serco is a trusted provider of services to National Space Agencies, the European Space Agency (ESA), EUMETSAT and CNES. With over 40 years’ experience supporting the space sector, we provide engineering, technical and operational services across all phases of our customers’ space missions.

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

On behalf of our customer EUMETSAT, we are looking for a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to support the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) and Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) missions.

You will contribute to spacecraft system-level operations, supporting both routine mission operations and operations preparation activities throughout the spacecraft lifecycle.

You would be working on-site at EUMETSAT’s premises in Darmstadt within a flexible hybrid working model.

Responsibilities

Routine Operations

• Support the safe and efficient in-orbit operations of Meteosat spacecraft
• Monitor spacecraft health and mission performance using operational analysis tools
• Participate in standby/on-call support and mission planning checks as part of the operations team
• Investigate spacecraft anomalies and contribute to troubleshooting and resolution activities
• Perform operational activities across spacecraft subsystems and collaborate with engineering, ground segment and industry teams
• Support spacecraft simulator development and ensure operational tools remain maintained and updated
• Contribute to spacecraft re-orbiting, decommissioning and technology testing activities
• Prepare, review and maintain operational procedures, guides and technical documentation

Operations Preparation

• Support preparation activities for upcoming Meteosat mission phases and operational milestones
• Review operational deliverables and inputs provided by satellite manufacturers and industrial partners
• Contribute to development and validation of operational procedures, databases and mission configuration data
• Participate in spacecraft simulation campaigns and verification & validation activities
• Support system validation test campaigns including planning, execution and reporting
• Contribute to satellite control chain integration activities with ground segment teams
• Assist with preparation for critical mission phases such as Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP)
• Support development of operational tools and spacecraft performance monitoring solutions
• Contribute to training preparation and knowledge sharing within the spacecraft operations team

Profile

• University degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics or another relevant technical discipline
• Practical experience in spacecraft or mission operations engineering environments
• Experience supporting in-orbit phases such as routine operations, commissioning or launch preparation
• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and satellite performance monitoring principles
• Experience working with operational procedures, mission configuration data or mission control systems
• Exposure to spacecraft simulators or ground segment monitoring and control facilities
• Ability to analyse operational issues and contribute to anomaly investigation activities
• Experience working within configuration control and operational change management environments
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills
• Fluency in English

Nice to Have

• Experience with mission control systems such as SCOS-2000 or similar platforms
• Exposure to Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) or spacecraft commissioning activities
• Familiarity with onboard control procedures and spacecraft operational concepts
• Knowledge of ECSS standards or space mission operational frameworks
• Programming or scripting experience (e.g. Python, Java)
• Experience developing small operational tools (e.g. VBA or MS Office-based solutions)
• Previous experience supporting development or maintenance of spacecraft operations tools

On Offer

• Relocation allowance including one-way flight ticket, airport transfer and one month of temporary accommodation
• Hybrid working model
• 30% subvention on Deutschland ticket
• Wellpass membership – access to a wide network of gyms and wellness facilities
• Participation in pension scheme
• JobRad bicycle leasing
• 30 days of annual leave

Relocation

Darmstadt offers a central European location with excellent connectivity across Germany and neighbouring countries. Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe’s largest aviation hubs, is located nearby and enables convenient international travel.

Serco GmbH provides relocation support for EU passport holders willing to relocate to Germany and work at EUMETSAT.