Leonardo→

Spacecraft Operations Engineer at Leonardo in Darmstadt, Hesse, DE

ExperiencedOn-siteDarmstadt, Hesse, DE

Skills

spacecraft operationsflight operations support (fos)flight control procedures (fct)mission planningground segment systemsmcsndiu/gstvimois/protosegos-cc/pulseecss packet utilization standardsesoc interfacessimsatsimulatorssystem minded attitudemethodical investigation of technical issuesoperational improvementsfluency in englishlow earth orbit satellite operationsspacecraft databasestelemetry systemstelecommand systemspower subsystemsthermal subsystemsattitude and orbit control subsystemscommunications subsystemspayload subsystemsdata handling subsystemsinternational partner collaborationmultidisciplinary teamwork

Job Description

Job Description:

As part of the new ESOC FOE Earth Observation and Earth Watch missions’ contract, due to start on 01/01/2027, we are seeking to expand our Spacecraft Operations Engineering Team.

Depending on the experience of the candidate, they will be assigned to one or more mission and have responsibility for a number of Spacecracft subsystems and Ground Segment Systems.

Key Responsibilities

The general activities to be supported by this service are, to be tailored to their profile and expertise:

Study of Project specific Characteristics and Ground Segment Documentation
Participation in the Analysis and Design of Satellite Operations
Generation and validation of Flight Control Procedures
Mission Management and Mission Planning Support Service
Support for Ground Segment Systems evolution and testing (e.g. MCS, SIM and MPS)
Participation in the team Training Program
Routine Payload & Platform Operations
Participation in all Mission Critical Operations
General Flight Control Support Service
Spacecraft Performance Analysis
Participation in the on-call service

Additional duties may include support to National Constellation activities, involvement in operational training, and participation in Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) activities.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

University degree or equivalent education in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Telecommunications Engineering.
Experience in Spacecraft operations.
For System Supports: Proven expertise in FOS development of FCT related tasks (e.g. FOP preparation and validation) - minimum 5 years of experience.
Knowledge of one or more spacecraft subsystems such as Power, Thermal, Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS), Data Handling, Communications (TT&C), or Payload operations.
Robust understanding of FOS main components
Proven experience with S2K based MCS, NDIU/GSTVi and MOIS/ProToS, EGOS-CC/PULSE.
Familiar with ECSS Packet Utilization Standards
Proven experience with ESOC internal and external interfaces
Proven experience Mission Planning cycle and operational procedures
Experience with the operational simulators, especially the ones based on Simsat.
Experience with system level tasks and system minded attitude
Ability to investigate technical issues methodically and contribute to operational improvements.
Fluency in English, both written and spoken

Desirable Skills

Experience within a spacecraft operations centre or mission control environment, in particular with the ESOC environment.
Familiarity with low Earth orbit satellites
Knowledge of spacecraft databases, telemetry and telecommand systems, power, thermal, attitude and orbit control, communications, payload, or data handling subsystems.
Experience working with international partners, customers, or multidisciplinary engineering teams (e.g. JAXA, AEE, ASI)

Furthermore

Start date 01/10/2026 or 01/01/2027
EU applications only
CV in latest Europass format

Seniority: Expert

Primary Location: DE - Darmstadt - ESOC

Contract Type: Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working: Onsite