System Operations Engineer

EUMETSAT operates a growing fleet of Earth Observation satellites in Low Earth and Geostationary orbits, including the Meteosat Second and Third Generation, Metop First and Second Generation, Copernicus Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-6. Parallel to this, EUMETSAT is preparing a new constellation of microsatellites – the EUMETSAT Polar System – Sterna (EPS‑Sterna), which will each carry a state‑of‑the‑art microwave sounder. The initial constellation is composed of six satellites in sun‑synchronous orbit.

Initially reporting to the EPS‑Sterna Operations Preparation manager in the Programme, Preparation and Development (PRD) department, the successful candidate will provide system operations engineering and coordination expertise within the EPS‑Sterna operational preparation team.

After the handover of the first constellation of six EPS‑Sterna satellites to the Operations Department, the post holder will be reassigned to the Real Time Services and System Operation (RSO) division within the Operations department to conduct routine system operations for the EPS‑Sterna missions and support the transition of recurring/future satellites into operation.

Responsibilities

• Support the definition and maintenance of the EPS‑Sterna mission operations concepts and operational scenarios.
• Provide EPS‑Sterna related inputs to the Operations Service Specification.
• Plan, prepare and execute EPS‑Sterna system and facility level operational validation activities, including coordination of the validation of the full end‑to‑end service.
• Develop and validate EPS‑Sterna ground segment operational documentation, including partner interfaces.
• Define, configure and implement EPS‑Sterna end‑to‑end service monitoring.
• Prepare EPS‑Sterna pre‑launch system preparations, including operations training, rehearsals and establishment of the system launch configuration.
• Coordinate EPS‑Sterna system operations during LEOP and commissioning phases, leading to the handover and start of routine operations.
• Coordinate the operations of EUMETSAT spacecraft and ground segments to ensure compliance with the Operations Service Specification and operational interface agreements.
• Coordinate operations across multiple missions within EUMETSAT’s programmes.

Benefits

• Excellent salary, up to €7,500 net (after income tax) based on skills and experience.
• Flexible working time, including additional flexi‑leave.
• Full medical coverage for employee and family.
• 30 days of annual leave + 14.5 days public holidays.
• Training and development support.
• Relocation allowance and support (if applicable).

Requirements

University degree or equivalent experience in a relevant engineering discipline.

• Experience in satellite and/or ground segment operations and ops‑prep activities is required; small‑satellite operations experience is an advantage.
• Experience in developing, testing and/or operating space‑related systems is required.
• Familiarity with ground segment systems monitoring, networking and distributed applications is required.
• Thorough understanding of distributed system operations and interaction with external operations entities is required.
• Experience in space‑to‑ground interfaces and end‑to‑end system data flows is required.
• Demonstrable critical thinking and a methodical, proactive and organised approach to work, with an aptitude for detail and accuracy under pressure or in an emergency situation, is required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required, with a proven ability to apply these to interactions within a team and between internal teams and external entities.

Languages

Candidates must be able to work effectively in English. Applications must be submitted in English – other languages will not be considered.

EUMETSAT is an international organisation employing staff from all 30 Member States. The role is based in Darmstadt, Germany and requires relocation if successful. Remote working is not an option.

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