Future Studies Engineer - Spacecraft Operations

Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come?

On behalf of ESA, we are looking for a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to work at ESOC’s premises in Darmstadt, Germany.

About the client and location

The European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) base in Darmstadt, Germany. As the main control centre for ESA, ESOC controls the launch and early orbit phases for their missions. They are also accepted globally for their research into ground system engineering, satellite navigation, space debris studies and more.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Reviewing and analysing project‑specific characteristics and associated Ground Segment documentation.
• Contributing to preliminary and feasibility mission studies through concurrent engineering activities, including participation in Concurrent Design sessions.
• Definition and drafting of functional requirements for project-dedicated flight Control Software.
• Specification of functional requirements for Flight Control Ground Facilities.
• Contributing to Pre‑Phase A and Phase B1 activities.
• Development of operational assumptions and operability requirements.
• Contributing to the analysis and design of satellite operations concepts.
• Preparing flight control procedures, including contingency and off‑nominal scenarios.
• Supporting mission management and mission planning activities.
• Participating in operations preparation, validation campaigns, and routine execution.
• Preparing and evaluating operations cost estimates.
• Active participation in project review boards and progress meetings.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Telecommunications Engineering.
• Practical experience in spacecraft system operations.
• Knowledge of satellite and/or ground operations.
• Demonstrated experience in an operational environment.
• Exposure to working with external interfaces.
• Capability to analyse and predict the behaviour of complex systems.
• Familiarity with Quality Management System (QMS).
• Highly organised, able to prioritise and manage multiple parallel activities.
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Authorised to work in the European Union.
• Nationality of an ESA Member State.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a Spacecraft Operations Engineer role.
• Knowledge of Interplanetary, Observatory, or Earth Observation satellite operations.
• Familiarity with the ESOC working environment.
• A minimum of 3 years in a Systems Engineer role.

Why should you apply?

• You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
• We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
• To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
• Benefits include: competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.