Instrument Operations Engineer

Role Overview

Are you passionate about instrument spacecraft operations and looking to contribute directly to Europe’s flagship space science missions?

Thorn SDS is a niche Managed Service Provider, who is committed to enabling technology organisations and professionals to thrive within the Space, Defence and Security sectors.

We’re seeking an Instrument Operations Engineer to join the Flight Control Team (FCT) at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), taking a key role in the operations of the XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL missions.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a role where you’ll combine operational excellence, problem-solving, and innovation to ensure the continued success of two of ESA’s cornerstone observatories.

This role will be working with our German entity in the Darmstadt area.

Key Responsibilities

As an Instrument Operations Engineer, you will:

• Take over and integrate existing instrument operations activities (currently at ESAC) into the ESOC Flight Control Team.
• Maintain and evolve instrument procedures and the instrument database (development, changes, and testing).
• Execute real-time payload operations and support special operations (e.g. eclipse operations, automation of routine tasks).
• Perform instrument anomaly recovery and contribute to health and performance monitoring.
• Support calibration and mission planning teams at ESAC.
• Provide on-call support and offline monitoring/trend analysis.
• Maintain instruments, observing modes, and onboard software.
• Interface directly with Principal Investigators and other stakeholders on operational issues.
• Play a proactive role in modernising and optimising operations, introducing new tools and processes to improve efficiency.

What We’re Looking For

• University degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Telecommunications Engineering.
• Solid knowledge of spacecraft payload and platform subsystems.
• Hands-on experience in spacecraft operations.
• Excellent communication in English (spoken and written).
• Strong team player, able to coordinate with other service providers.
• Familiarity with satellite control systems (SCOS-2000).
• Experience in generating and validating flight procedures.
• Clearance for handling export control material (US and European).
• Familiarity with ESOC environment and satellite instrument operations.
• Experience dealing with external interfaces (Project, Industry, PDGS).
• Knowledge of MOIS and scripting/programming (Python, Bash).

What We Offer

The chance to contribute directly to the operation of ESA’s science missions with real impact on ongoing astronomical discoveries.
A collaborative, international environment at ESA’s ESOC in Darmstadt, working alongside leading experts in spacecraft operations.
The opportunity to modernise and innovate processes, bringing fresh ideas into established mission operations.
A role where no two days are the same – from anomaly recoveries to real-time operations and cross-team collaboration.

Benefits

• 20 Statutory Vacation Days, + 10 Additional Vacation Days.
• German Public Holiday Days + Organisation Specific Holidays
• Subsidised Deutsche Bahn Ticket
• Subsidy to Welfare Activities
• Subsidy to Organisation Social Clubs
• Local Thorn Office with Coworking Spaces, Gym, Leisure Activities and Canteen
• Individual Educational Programme Support
• Access to a wide range of Training Material and Programmes
• Flexible and Hybrid Working Options

If you have the expertise to support this requirement and are eager to make an impact in a critical role, please apply today!

How To Apply

Submit your CV in Europass format (PDF).
All applications must be submitted in English

All applicants must already hold the Right to Work in Germany as sponsorship cannot be provided for this role.