Mission Analyst
European Space Agency (ESA)
Darmstadt
Germany
September 20, 2026
Full-timeSeptember 20, 2026
Job Description
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 across various domains including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and space science, and has a significant presence in multiple countries, collaborating with international partners to advance space exploration and technology.
Job Overview:
The Software Engineer position is situated within the Software Backend Section of the Ground Station Engineering Division at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. The role primarily involves the development and engineering of software related to space link communication, ground station monitoring, control software, and planning and scheduling software for ground stations. The successful candidate will report to the Head of the Software Backend Section and will be expected to engage in requirement specification, system design, and agile software development processes. The position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication with operational users and engineering teams, ensuring that software solutions meet user needs and adhere to industry standards.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Software Engineer include:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in software development, particularly in the context of ground segment for space missions, is required. Experience in project management and agile project management is advantageous. A strong command of Java or C++ is essential, along with familiarity with continuous integration and delivery techniques. Knowledge of CCSDS and ECSS standards relevant to ground stations is a plus.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, electrical engineering, physics, or mathematics. This advanced degree is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for the complex tasks associated with software engineering in the space sector.
Experience:
The position requires at least five years of professional experience in software development, ideally within the ground segment for space missions. Candidates with experience in managing projects or agile teams will be viewed favorably, as this experience is critical for leading software development processes and ensuring successful project outcomes.
Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse workforce of ESA.
Additional Notes:
The appointment is for a fixed term of four years, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite duration based on performance and organizational needs. The position is classified within the grade band A2 - A4, with the potential for placement at A1 level for candidates with less than four years of relevant experience. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo a basic screening process in compliance with ESA's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics.
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 across various domains including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and space science, and has a significant presence in multiple countries, collaborating with international partners to advance space exploration and technology.
Job Overview:
The Software Engineer position is situated within the Software Backend Section of the Ground Station Engineering Division at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. The role primarily involves the development and engineering of software related to space link communication, ground station monitoring, control software, and planning and scheduling software for ground stations. The successful candidate will report to the Head of the Software Backend Section and will be expected to engage in requirement specification, system design, and agile software development processes. The position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication with operational users and engineering teams, ensuring that software solutions meet user needs and adhere to industry standards.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Software Engineer include:
- Collaborating with operational users and engineering teams to specify requirements for software systems.
- Defining concepts and designing systems using modern software engineering methodologies.
- Leading agile software development and maintenance processes.
- Accepting deliverables from industry partners, ensuring they meet correctness, completeness, and compliance standards.
- Overseeing the deployment and operational phase-in of software solutions.
- Conducting studies and technology developments to validate new concepts and explore the integration of new information technologies.
- Contributing to the establishment of standards in space data systems and software engineering.
- Managing industrial contracts related to software development and maintenance.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in software development, particularly in the context of ground segment for space missions, is required. Experience in project management and agile project management is advantageous. A strong command of Java or C++ is essential, along with familiarity with continuous integration and delivery techniques. Knowledge of CCSDS and ECSS standards relevant to ground stations is a plus.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, electrical engineering, physics, or mathematics. This advanced degree is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for the complex tasks associated with software engineering in the space sector.
Experience:
The position requires at least five years of professional experience in software development, ideally within the ground segment for space missions. Candidates with experience in managing projects or agile teams will be viewed favorably, as this experience is critical for leading software development processes and ensuring successful project outcomes.
Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse workforce of ESA.
Additional Notes:
The appointment is for a fixed term of four years, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite duration based on performance and organizational needs. The position is classified within the grade band A2 - A4, with the potential for placement at A1 level for candidates with less than four years of relevant experience. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo a basic screening process in compliance with ESA's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.