About the Position

Spacecraft Operations Engineer for Copernicus Missions (f/m/d)

Darmstadt (DE)•Germany•Permanent

Start Date: Q2, 2027

Location: ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Working hours: full time, 40h/week

Requirement: EU Citizenship

Submission Deadline: 2026-10-31

About SSC Space

Welcome to SSC Space – the perfect workplace for those passionate about technology in general and space in particular. With space organizations, research institutes, institutional and commercial actors as customers, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications, space consulting services, rocket and balloon systems, flight test services, satellite propulsion systems, and much more.

SSC also has one of the world’s largest global networks of ground stations for satellite communications. We own and operate the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, northern Sweden, with the aim of launching satellites in the near future.

Are you fueled by a passion for people and the ambition to create an awesome workplace? Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey with us to help Earth benefit from space?

If you answer yes to these questions, we invite you to seize the opportunity to make a significant impact as Spacecraft Operations Engineer (f/m/d) to support the Copernicus Missions Operations and support our services in ESOC Darmstadt. We are looking for a dedicated person who shares our core values of Customer passion, Care, Collaboration, Curiosity, and Courage.

Security

In line with security requirements for the concerned missions of this position, the candidate has to hold a European citizenship. Evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process. Furthermore, in view of the nature of the work the company is in, all potential employees will undergo stringent reference and identity checks.

Requirements

Degree in engineering, mathematics, or physics.
Fully proficient in Spacecraft System knowledge, with proven experience in an operational environment.
In-depth knowledge of relevant Standards and Protocols (CCSDS and ECSS PUS).
Good knowledge of SCOS-2000 mission control systems.
Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in time-critical environments.
Strong team player with excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills.
High level of self-motivation and autonomy.
Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.
Fluency in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, execute, and monitor platform subsystem and/or payload operations in routine phase.
Perform various activities in mission phases prior to routine phase, e.g. prepare and conduct test cases for SVTs, participate in reviews like PDR and CDR, validate ground segment infrastructure like MCS, NDIU, and Simulator, participate in Simulations Campaigns and LEOPs.
Support anomaly investigation and resolution and participate in dedicated Anomaly Review Boards.
Participate in on-call duty rotations, providing responsive support during non-nominal situations.
Develop, validate, maintain, and update flight and ground operational procedures, adhering strictly to configuration control standards.
Take ownership of specific Ground Segment infrastructure components, ensuring their maintenance and operational availability.
Draft and validate Operational Database change requests.
Create and maintain Flight Operations Segment (FOS) documentation.
Review space to ground interface specifications and flight operations manuals.
Participate in regular Flight Control team meetings and collaborate with other members of the Flight Control Team.
Participate in, supervise, and provide training sessions for other team members.

We Offer

Thriving Environment: A growing and international environment with diverse backgrounds to learn from, with a lot of social events.
Work-Life Balance: Take advantage of our relocation support and 30 days of paid vacation.
Develop yourself: Enjoy permanent employment with diverse opportunities for growth, with our training program and a German language course.
Well-being: Prioritize your well-being with access to our gym program, bike lease program, and company doctor services.
Supportive Workplace: Experience our open-door policy and ISO 9001-certified workplace, where your voice is valued and your contributions recognized.
Rewards and Incentives: Receive a competitive salary, bonus scheme, deferred compensation scheme, and sponsored public transportation tickets.

About the Company

SSC Space is a leading global provider of advanced space services, with more than 50 years of experience. We help space organizations, research institutes, commercial and institutional actors from all over the world to get access to space.

With local presence on all continents and about 750 committed employees, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications and satellite control services, spacecraft operations, rocket and balloon systems, launch services and flight test services, as well as engineering, operations, and consultancy services for space missions.

We help Earth benefit from space. Learn more at sscspace.com.

📌 Please submit your application and all supporting documents in English.

Spacecraft Operations Engineer for Copernicus Missions (f/m/d)

Job description