Spacecraft Operations Engineer

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Closing Date: 15 January 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

This is a non-renewable post for a limited duration until the end of 2028 and open for the specific needs of a National Project.
Accordingly, the external candidate selected for this post will continue to be considered an external candidate for the purposes of any future applications to the Agency.

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 management, definition and implementation of spacecraft operations and the flight operations segment of Copernicus Sentinels, 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 Imaging Missions Operations Unit within the Earth Observation Missions Division and will report hierarchically to the Head of Unit and functionally to the missions Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM). The Unit is currently entrusted with the satellite operations of Sentinel-2, Sentinel-2NG, LSTM and CHIME.

Your tasks will include the following:

• 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.

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

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

A master's degree in engineering or physics is required for this post.

You should also:

• have a minimum of three years 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 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 or other characteristics.

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…