Spacecraft Operations Engineer

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Closing Date: 6 March 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Spacecraft Operations Engineer in the Redu Spacecraft Operations Section, Earth Observation Missions Division, Mission Operations Department, Directorate of Operations (D/OPS). The Earth Observation Missions Division is responsible for the management, definition and implementation of spacecraft operations and the flight operations segment, typically from the beginning of phase B through in‑flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of the mission.

You will initially be assigned to the Small Sat Missions Operations Unit within the Earth Observation Missions Division and will report hierarchically to the Head of Section and functionally to the missions Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM). The Section is currently entrusted with the satellite operations of PROBA‑1, PROBA‑2, PROBA‑V and PROBA‑3. In addition, you will support the Head of the Redu Spacecraft Operations Section with the evolution of ESEC and the execution of the operations‑related activities at ESEC.

Your tasks will include:

• Assisting the SOMs in the definition, preparation and execution of the missions operations assigned to the Unit including nominal, special and contingency operations, spacecraft and ground segment anomaly investigation and resolution, performance evaluation and reporting;
• Performing the role of Acting SOM when delegated;
• Assisting the SOMs 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 your area of responsibility;
• Providing expert and functional support to ESA programmes and activities, for example as Operations Architect, in the area of mission operations, ground and system validation, and space‑to‑ground interfaces in line with ESA’s matrix organisation;
• Providing support to the SOMs/Head of Unit in discharging the Unit’s mandate and preparing for new missions to be operated by the Unit/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;
• Providing ad hoc satellite operations and ground segment performance reports;
• Providing support, with the ESEC Operations Team, to the operations preparation, system validation tests, launch and commissioning phases.

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Knowledge of mission, spacecraft and/or payload operations

Understanding of the development and maintenance of ground infrastructure and/or software systems

Knowledge of large operations and associated software systems, preferably space‑based

Ability to evaluate performance at mission level

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

A master's degree in an engineering discipline is required for this post.

You should:

• Have a minimum of three years of direct experience in flight operations and ground operations systems engineering;
• Have demonstrated knowledge of the ESA operations environment and its working methodologies;
• Have a demonstrated ability to analyse and sum up technical and programmatic information in a manner resulting in minimum cost/acceptable risk solutions;
• Have demonstrated experience 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, religious beliefs, age, disability…