Spacecraft Operations Engineer (2 Positions)

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates in various domains including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, with a presence in multiple countries across Europe.

Job Overview:
The Spacecraft Operations Engineer position is situated within the Earth Observation Missions Division of the Mission Operations Department at ESA. This role is crucial for managing and implementing spacecraft operations from the early phases of mission development through to routine operations. The engineer will be involved in the BIOMASS, FLEX, CRYO, and SWARM missions, contributing to the operational success of these projects. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including internal teams, industry partners, and user communities, to ensure effective mission operations. The engineer will assist in defining, preparing, and executing mission operations, including anomaly investigations and performance evaluations, thereby playing a key role in the success of ESA's Earth observation initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Spacecraft Operations Engineer include: assisting the Head of Unit or appointed Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM) in defining and executing mission operations; preparing for nominal, special, and contingency operations; investigating and resolving spacecraft and ground segment anomalies; evaluating performance and generating reports; supporting the specification, development, and maintenance of ground segment systems; interfacing with various stakeholders for mission-related activities; providing expert support for ESA programs; participating in mission reviews and preparations; and generating ad hoc satellite operations and performance reports. The engineer will also support operations preparation, system validation tests, and the launch and commissioning phases of missions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant field and have at least three years of professional experience in flight operations and ground systems engineering. They should demonstrate knowledge of the ESA operations environment, the ability to analyze technical information, and experience interfacing with external partners. Strong teamwork skills, self-motivation, and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this position. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in engineering principles, particularly those related to aerospace and spacecraft operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of direct experience in flight operations and ground systems engineering. Candidates should have a proven track record of working within the ESA operations environment and familiarity with its methodologies. Experience in analyzing technical and programmatic information to develop cost-effective solutions is also necessary.

Languages:
Proficiency in English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of ESA. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse workforce of the agency.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, extendable to indefinite, and falls within the grade band A2-A

• Candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for an A1 level position. Applicants must be eligible to access sensitive information and acquire security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance. The recruitment process may include selection tests and background screening. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics.