Operations Engineer – SmallSat

Position

As part of a multidisciplinary operations team supporting ESA's Small Satellites Operations service, the successful candidate will contribute to the day-to-day operations, maintenance and continuous evolution of spacecraft, ground segment infrastructure and mission automation systems for a portfolio of innovative ESA missions including the PROBA programme and future small satellite missions. The role is primarily based on-site at ESEC and includes participation in operational activities, anomaly resolution, system improvements and occasional on-call support.

• Location: ESEC, Redu (Belgium)

• Start date: January 2027.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support routine spacecraft operations and mission execution activities for ESA small satellite missions

• Perform mission planning, preparation and execution of operational activities and spacecraft procedures

• Monitor spacecraft health, mission products, telemetry and operational performance

• Analyse and investigate anomalies affecting spacecraft, ground segment or operational services and contribute to corrective actions

• Support operation, maintenance and evolution of mission control systems, databases and operational tools

• Maintain and improve automated operational procedures, scripts and operational workflows

• Participate in testing, validation and deployment of software, infrastructure and operational system updates

• Support configuration management, documentation, reporting and operational knowledge transfer activities

• Interface with ESA engineers, project teams, industry partners and external service providers as required

• Participate in on-call activities and support critical operations campaigns when required.

Skills and Experience

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related technical discipline

• Experience in spacecraft operations, mission operations, ground segment operations, satellite communications or other operational engineering environments

• Good understanding of operational procedures, mission execution and anomaly investigation processes

• Ability to analyse technical issues, troubleshoot complex systems and drive issues to resolution

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple operational priorities

• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams

• Ability to produce clear technical documentation and reports

• Professional working proficiency in English

• Willingness to work on-site at ESEC Redu and participate in on-call support when required.

Are considered as asset:

• Previous experience with ESA missions, mission control centres or flight operations activities

• Knowledge of satellite ground segment technologies and mission control systems such as SCOS-2000 or equivalent platforms

• Experience working with:

  • Linux/Unix environments and engineering or operational software systems

  • Automation, scripting or software development using Python, Perl, JavaScript, TCL/TK or similar languages

  • Network administration, system administration, virtualisation or operational IT infrastructures

  • Configuration management, quality processes and anomaly reporting systems

  • Working in highly regulated, mission-critical or 24/7 operational environments

• Knowledge of spacecraft databases (ORACLE/MySQL/SQL), telemetry and telecommand systems, or MIB management

• Familiarity with orbital dynamics, mission planning or flight dynamics concepts

• Knowledge of satellite test campaigns, LEOP activities or critical mission operations

• Eligibility to obtain security clearances required for operational activities.

Our Offer

• Working within an exceptional sector with Staff located in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands

• A professional and modern working environment with motivated Administrative Staff, Engineers, Astronaut Training Instructors and Scientists coming from all different horizons and countries with a common passion for space and their own expertise

• A full-time position with an indefinite contract of employment

• A competitive remuneration package and good working conditions

• Working from home in part can be a possibility

• An individualised training and development programmes.

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© ESA-A.Gonin