About the Position

Mission Control Engineer

Germany | Remote

At constellr, we use thermal intelligence from space to understand what is happening on Earth - where, when and at scale. Our satellite constellation delivers high-resolution land surface temperature data, giving governments, defence organisations, commercial operators and global institutions the intelligence they need to monitor change, assess risk and make better-informed decisions.

From national security and critical infrastructure to agriculture and climate resilience, constellr turns temperature into actionable intelligence for a changing world.

Responsibilities

Core Role

Build core mission planning services and algorithms that power mission planning applications for a growing satellite constellation
Shape the architecture and design of mission planning systems to ensure scalability, reliability, and long-term operability
Run, monitor, and maintain mission planning systems in live production environments
Define engineering standards for reliability, CI/CD, infrastructure-as-code, observability, safety, and operational compliance
Collaborate across Flight Operations, Flight Dynamics, Payload, Satellite Operations, and Product leadership to turn mission needs into technical direction and system design
Drive adoption of CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, and robust deployment practices across mission-critical systems
Translate mission requests into executable satellite telecommands, including interaction with the telecommand database
Align mission plans with onboard scheduling and execution constraints to ensure feasible satellite operations

Optional (If you have this experience)

Monitor and control spacecraft operations, ensuring the nominal health, safety, and performance of the satellite constellation
Execute real-time spacecraft commanding, telemetry monitoring, and analysis, responding promptly to off-nominal conditions
Develop, validate, and maintain operational procedures for both routine activities and contingency scenarios
Collaborate closely with Flight Dynamics and Mission Planning teams to execute mission timelines and scheduling activities
Support the commissioning and early operations phases of newly launched satellites
Investigate anomalies, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions
Ensure high availability and smooth operation of the ground segment, participating in on-call rotations as required
Interface with Payload and Data teams to support successful data acquisition, downlink, and processing operations
Participate in simulations, rehearsals, and operational readiness reviews to ensure mission preparedness

Requirements

Required:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
2–3+ years of experience in satellite/spacecraft operations or in ground segment / Mission Control System development, either on the operations or software side
Solid understanding of spacecraft subsystems (e.g., AOCS, power, thermal, communications)
Experience with telemetry analysis, command systems, and operational procedures
Proven ability to troubleshoot anomalies under time pressure using structured and methodical problem-solving approaches
Strong software engineering background, with experience in a systems programming language (ideally Rust, but C, C++, or similar are acceptable; support will be provided to develop Rust expertise)
Experience developing reliable software for operational environments, with a strong focus on correctness, robustness, and safety
Familiarity with Linux systems and server administration
Knowledge of space industry standards such as CCSDS, ECSS, or PUS (deep expertise not required; familiarity with the ecosystem is sufficient)
Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset; ability to work closely with operations teams and the broader Mission Control organisation
Willingness to work in an operational environment, including shifts or on-call duties when required
Experience with monitoring and data infrastructure tools such as Grafana (including IRM), InfluxDB, and PostgreSQL
Genuine interest in working at the intersection of spacecraft operations and modern systems software, with a willingness to deepen expertise in either domain
Ability to develop reliable, production-grade software for 24/7 operational environments, with a strong focus on correctness, robustness, and safety

Nice to Have:

Experience with LEO Earth Observation missions
Knowledge of mission planning systems and ground station networks
Experience with SCOS-2000 and Mission Information Base (MIB) configuration
Background in Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) or in-orbit commissioning
Experience working in a startup or fast-scaling environment
Familiarity with cloud-based infrastructure, distributed systems, or data pipelines
Understanding of satellite systems engineering principles
Exposure to or experience with AI-assisted development tools or workflows

We Offer

High-Impact National Security Mission: Be part of an ambitious mission to launch the world’s first commercial thermal infrared constellation, delivering sovereign-grade "behavioural" intelligence from space to close critical blind spots for defence, intelligence, and maritime surveillance agencies.
Fast-Paced "New Space" Innovation: Work at the leading edge of a rapidly evolving defence sector. By leveraging modern, agile New Space methodologies, you will help design, build, and deploy dual-use thermal payloads into operational orbit at a speed and scale that traditional aerospace models simply cannot match.
Broad Interdisciplinary Exposure: Accelerate your professional growth by collaborating daily with a diverse, international cohort of astrophysicists, software developers, and defence-system engineers.
Inclusive & Scientific Culture: Join a high-trust team deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and scientific excellence, where academic curiosity is paired with high autonomy and a flat hierarchy.
Financial Upside & Well-being: Benefit from a Virtual Share Option Plan (VSOP) for permanent employees, giving you a true stake in the company's growth, alongside highly flexible hybrid working models.

About the Company

At constellr, we are dedicated to transforming how the world understands and responds to environmental changes through advanced satellite technology. Our mission is to provide critical thermal intelligence that empowers governments, defence organisations, and commercial entities to make informed decisions. Join us in shaping the future of Earth Observation and space technology.

Mission Control Engineer

Job description