Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer (m/f/d)

Company Overview

OHB System AG – We.Create.Space
OHB System AG belongs to the high‑tech group OHB SE and employs over 3,200 people. With two strong locations in Bremen and Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich, the company has more than 40 years of experience in the space sector. OHB System AG specializes in high‑tech solutions for space, including low‑orbiting and geostationary satellites for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, science, space exploration, as well as systems for human space flight and aerial reconnaissance. The company’s success is driven by employees’ passion for innovation and their commitment and initiative.

Position

Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer (m/f/d) – Permanent employment in Bremen

Your Tasks

At OHB, you will tackle some of the most exciting challenges in the space industry. You will work across a wide spectrum of spacecraft missions – from single satellites to entire constellations, from LEO to interplanetary exploration – and support customers in defence, science, and beyond.

In our Spacecraft Operations Development team you will shape the operational concept from day one. You will collaborate closely with customers, write the user manuals for the satellites we deliver, develop the flight procedures that will guide operations in orbit, and support the mission from separation through handover – often long after.

We are now looking for a passionate and experienced Spacecraft Operations Engineer who is ready to jump in, get up to speed quickly, and contribute from proposals all the way through Phase E.

If you have hands‑on experience creating and validating procedures, have been part of LEOP and commissioning campaigns, and are excited about influencing earlier mission phases to enable simple, reliable, and robust operations for our customers, we would love to meet you. This is your opportunity to leave a meaningful mark on space.

Qualifications – Required

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a similar technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in Spacecraft Operations Development, such as writing or validating flight procedures, developing operations concepts, creating spacecraft user manuals, and supporting pre‑launch and in‑orbit preparation.
• Hands‑on experience in LEOP and commissioning (actively participating in real‑time ops).
• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems (AOCS, Power, TT&C, Thermal, Payload, etc.).
• Experience with Mission Control Systems and ground segment tools (e.g., SCOS‑2000, EGS‑CC, MCS look‑alikes, automation frameworks).
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English.

Qualifications – Preferred / Nice to Have

• Professional proficiency in German (spoken and written).
• Experience supporting phases B/C/D, especially requirements definition, design reviews, and operations preparation.
• Experience with constellations, on‑board automation, or autonomy concepts.
• Understanding of ECSS standards, especially related to operations (E‑70 series). Experience with simulator testing, procedure automation (e.g., TM/TC scripting), FMECA / hazard analysis from an ops perspective.
• Familiarity with project management tools and workflows (e.g., JIRA, Confluence).
• Ability to work in customer‑oriented environments (ESA, DLR, defence customers, commercial operators).

Soft Skills (important for the role)

• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate with system engineers, AIV teams, and customers.
• Proactive, structured, and able to work independently.
• Problem‑solving mindset, especially under time pressure (LEOP, anomalies).
• Willingness to occasionally travel for reviews, test campaigns, or operations.

Benefits & Work Life Balance

Work‑life balance: Flexible working hours, sabbatical, 30 days vacation & special leave days. Mobile work: Hybrid work & mobile work abroad. Structured onboarding process (incl. assignment of a buddy in the first months). Development: Extensive range of training courses, individual professional development, German language courses & annual employee dialogue, space projects. Additional benefits: 13th monthly salary, accident insurance & company pension plan, catering: High‑standard company restaurant & generous meals subsidy. Active health promotion: Health management, E‑GYM Wellpass & in‑company sports groups. Family: Kindergarten subsidy / kindergarten places, childcare in the vacation period & paid child sickness days. Mobility: Subsidized Deutschland ticket, job bike & parking lots. Company parties & events: Christmas party, satellite launch events, NextGen Speakers Night. Innovation: Company suggestion system & free research and development.

Join Our Team

Become part of our international team and take your professional and personal development to a new level. If you do not fulfil all the requirements, we are happy to receive applications with partial matches. We look forward to your application in German or English via our online tool.

OHB System AG – Human Resources

Questions regarding this posting? Christian Wolten is available under