Spacecraft Operations Engineer
Darmstadt, DE
Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Description
Spacecraft Operations Engineer in the Earth Observation Missions Division, Mission Operations Department, Directorate of Operations (D/OPS).
The Earth Observation Missions Division is responsible for the design, implementation and operations of the flight operations ground segment and the satellite mission operations for all ESA Earth Observation satellites, typically from the start of phase B through in-flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of the mission.
You will initially be assigned to the Copernicus Sentinels Optical Imaging Missions Operations Unit within the Earth Observation Missions Division. You will report hierarchically to the Head of Unit and functionally to the Unit's Spacecraft Operations Managers (SOMs) for specific tasks.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- assisting the SOM or Head of Unit in the definition, preparation and execution of the mission operations assigned to the Unit - currently Sentinel-2, LSTM and CHIME, including nominal, special and contingency operations, spacecraft and ground segment anomaly investigation and resolution, performance evaluation and reporting;
- assisting the SOM or Head of Unit in the specification, development, validation, maintenance and evolution of the ground segment systems and operational products required to conduct mission operations;
- interfacing with other areas within the Agency, industry, the user community, external centres and/or agencies for all aspects relating to the area of responsibility;
- supporting the Head of Unit in discharging the Unit’s mandate and preparing for new missions to be operated by the Unit(s)/Division. This may include participation in reviews, preparations and operations of other missions delegated to the Unit, the Division or the Department, and support to other D/OPS or ESA activities.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
A master's degree in engineering, mathematics or physics is required for this post.
Additional requirements
You should also:
- have a minimum of five years of direct experience in flight operations;
- have demonstrated experience in planning tools used for multi-instrument planning, including development, tailoring/configuration, setup and automation;
- have demonstrated experience of interfacing with external and international partners for matters relating to instrument operations;
- demonstrate a strong capacity for teamwork;
- have a high level of self-motivation and autonomy and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
