Spacecraft Operations Engineer

at  European Space Agency

Spacecraft Operations Engineer
Job Requisition ID: 19231
Date Posted: 20 January 2025
Closing Date: 10 February 2025 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: Internal & External
Type of Contract: Permanent
Directorate: Operations
Workplace:Darmstadt, DE
Grade Band: A2 - A4

DESCRIPTION

Spacecraft Operations Engineer in the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Division, Mission Operations Department, Directorate of Operations.
The Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division is responsible for the design, implementation and operations of the mission operations ground segment and the spacecraft operations for Science and selected Space Safety programme missions in the area of operations, typically from the start of phase B through in-flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of mission.

EDUCATION

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Experience with both spacecraft platform and subsystem operations is required. Experience with ground segment operations and mission planning and scheduling aspects would be considered an asset.
You should be system-minded, able to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, self-motivated, self-disciplined and results-oriented. Flexibility, adaptability and task prioritisation are required in order to deal with a multi-subject/multi-project operational environment. In addition, applicants are required to demonstrate strong communication and relationship management skills to show that they are able to interface with multiple counterparts.

You will initially be assigned to the Euclid Missions Operations Unit within the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division, which is supporting Euclid (in operations), Arrakihs (in development) and other projects as required. You will report hierarchically to the Head of Unit and functionally to the mission’s Spacecraft Operations Manager, if different from the H/Unit.

Your tasks will include the following:

• Assisting the Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM) in the definition, preparation and execution of the mission operations assigned to the Unit including nominal, special and contingency operations, spacecraft and ground segment anomaly investigation and resolution, performance evaluation and reporting;
• Acting as SOM when delegated the role;
• Assisting the SOM 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 in the Agency, industry, the user community, external centres and/or agencies for all aspects related to your area of responsibility;
• Providing expertise and support to other areas in the Agency, industry, the user community, external centers and/or agencies in the domains of mission operations, ground segment and system validation, and space-to-ground interfaces;
• Providing support to the SOM/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 for other Directorate or ESA activities.