Systems Engineer

Job Description: MOI-IT System Engineer Description The Mission Operations IT (MOI-IT) infrastructure provides the critical IT services supporting ESA's spacecraft operations, mission preparation activities and ground segment engineering. The infrastructure includes on-premises cloud platforms, virtualisation, Linux systems, container platforms, storage, networking, monitoring and automation services used by multiple ESA missions. As an MOI-IT System Engineer, you will contribute to the design, deployment, operation and continuous evolution of highly available IT platforms supporting mission-critical operations. Working in a multidisciplinary team, you will participate throughout the entire system lifecycle, from requirements engineering and architecture to implementation, validation and operational support.

Duties

• Reporting to the Head of Section, your responsibilities will include:
• Designing and maintaining mission-critical IT infrastructure supporting ESA spacecraft operations.
• Engineering Linux-based server platforms and virtual infrastructure.
• Designing, deploying and operating Kubernetes-based container platforms.
• Managing enterprise storage solutions, including Ceph and distributed storage technologies.
• Maintaining databases and associated backup and recovery solutions.
• Developing Infrastructure-as-Code and configuration management solutions using Ansible and Git.
• Designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines for automated software deployment.
• Integrating systems with LDAP/Active Directory identity management services.
• Implementing secure authentication, certificate lifecycle management and PKI solutions.
• Supporting mission-specific IT environments during development, validation and operations.
• Performing system integration, acceptance testing and operational readiness activities.
• Monitoring system performance, analysing incidents and performing root-cause investigations.
• Providing second- and third-line engineering support for operational services.
• Producing High-Level Designs (HLD), Low-Level Designs (LLD), operational procedures and technical documentation.
• Supporting technology evolution projects and infrastructure modernisation initiatives.
• Contributing to cybersecurity hardening following ESA security policies and industry best practices.
• Participating in technical reviews, design reviews and anomaly investigations.

Technical Environment

• The successful candidate will work with technologies such as:
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) / Ubuntu / SLES
• Kubernetes Podman / LXD
• Containers
• Ceph Storage
• VMware / KVM virtualisation
• PostgreSQL / MySQL / MariaDB
• Git
• Ansible
• Jenkins / GitLab CI
• Python / Bash scripting
• Prometheus & Grafana
• LDAP / Active Directory
• PKI & TLS Certificates
• NGINX
• DNS, DHCP, NTP
• Enterprise Networking
• SAN/NAS storage
• Monitoring and logging platforms

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering or a related discipline.
• Several years of professional experience in Linux systems engineering.
• Experience designing and operating highly available IT infrastructures.
• Experience with container orchestration technologies, preferably Kubernetes.
• Experience with automation and Infrastructure-as-Code.
• Good understanding of networking principles.
• Experience with enterprise storage technologies.
• Knowledge of database administration.
• Experience with scripting using Python or Bash.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Good analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset:
• Space mission operations
• Ground segment engineering
• High-performance computing
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud-native technologies
• Distributed storage systems
• Identity and Access Management
• Disaster Recovery planning
• Operational monitoring systems
• Service Management (ITIL)
• Agile and DevOps methodologies

Behavioural Competencies

• Results Orientation
• Problem Solving
• Continuous Improvement
• Teamwork
• Customer Focus
• Innovation
• Planning and Organisation
• Technical Excellence

What We Offer

You will contribute to the IT infrastructure supporting ESA's scientific and operational missions, working with modern technologies in a highly collaborative international environment. The role provides opportunities to influence the evolution of mission-critical infrastructure through automation, cloud-native technologies, cybersecurity and systems engineering while supporting some of Europe\'s most important space programmes. This profile also aligns well with current MOI-IT activities at ESOC, including Linux platform engineering, Kubernetes, on-premises cloud infrastructure, automation, secure access management, storage, networking, and operational support.

Seniority and Location

Seniority: Senior

Primary Location: DE - Darmstadt - ESOC

Contract Type: Hybrid

Working: Hybrid International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo. The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know-how across the generations. Leonardo always wants to expand its talent pool, here you can find the right opportunity for you!