Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer (m/f/d)

OHB System AG – We.Create.Space is a leading space company in Europe. The company is part of the OHB SE group and operates in Bremen and Oberpfaffenhofen, with extensive experience in high‑tech space solutions including satellites and systems for space exploration and defense-related missions.

Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer (m/f/d)

Your Tasks

At OHB, we take on challenging space projects across a wide spectrum of missions—from single satellites to constellations, and from LEO to interplanetary exploration. We support customers in Defence, Science, and beyond. In our Spacecraft Operations Development team, we shape the operational concept from day one, collaborate closely with customers, write user manuals for delivered satellites, develop flight procedures for in-orbit operations, and support the mission from separation through handover and beyond.

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Spacecraft Operations Engineer who is ready to contribute from proposals through Phase E, and who has hands‑on experience creating and validating procedures, participated in LEOP and commissioning campaigns, and is excited to influence earlier mission phases to enable simple, reliable and robust operations for our customers.

This is your opportunity to leave a meaningful mark on space.

Your Qualifications

Required

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in Spacecraft Operations Development (e.g., writing or validating flight procedures, developing operations concepts, creating spacecraft user manuals or supporting pre‑launch and in‑orbit preparation).
• Hands‑on experience in LEOP and Commissioning (actively participating in real‑time operations).
• 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.

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 related to operations (E‑70 series), experience with simulator testing and 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, defense 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.

We offer

• Work Life Balance: Flexible working hours, sabbatical, 30 days vacation and special leave days.
• Mobile Work: Hybrid work and mobile work abroad.
• Structured on‑boarding process (including assignment of a buddy in the first months).
• Development: Extensive training opportunities, individual professional development, German language courses, and annual employee dialogue.
• Space projects
• Additional benefits: 13th month salary, accident insurance and company pension plan.
• Catering: High standard company restaurant and generous meals subsidy.
• Active health promotion: Health management, E‑Gym Wellpass and in‑company sport groups.
• Family: Kindergarten subsidy / places, childcare in vacation periods and paid child sickness days.
• Mobility: Subsidized Deutschland ticket, Job bike and parking spaces.
• Company parties and events: Christmas party, satellite launch events, NextGen Speakers Night.
• Innovation: Company suggestion system and continued research and development.

A complete overview of our benefits can be found on our website.

We are an international team and welcome applications with partial matches. You can apply in German or English via our online tool.

Questions regarding this posting? Contact OHB System AG Human Resources at