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.
Picture CREDIT
© ESA-A.Gonin