Spacecraft Controller (Astrophysics) - #940751

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA. Serco offers space capability across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies and New Space ventures who want to scale their businesses/organizations with skilled talent.

On behalf of our customer the European Space Agency, we are looking for Spacecraft Analyst (Astrophysics). You would be working on-site at ESOC’s site in Darmstadt.

This position supports real-time operations and ground segment maintenance for astrophysics missions. You will be responsible for ensuring Flight Operations Procedures, tools, and databases remain up to date and function reliably across different system environments. Your mission includes coordination with controllers and engineers to maintain operational readiness and tool integrity.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and validate Flight Operations Procedures (FOP) in support of platform operations.
• Maintain and update operational tools and telemetry/command databases.
• Support day-to-day ground segment configuration and anomaly resolution.
• Perform FOP regression tests after tool or DB updates.
• Monitor tool and data integrity across MCS plug-ins and EGOS components.
• Assist with electrical safety inspections and equipment tracking (as per task 25).
• Document procedural updates and configuration changes during mission evolution.
• Participate in validation campaigns of ground system patches and upgrades.
• Collaborate with spacecraft controllers during anomaly follow-up and tool diagnostics.
• Ensure proper archiving and version control of ops tools, databases, and FOPs.
  
  

Profile

• MSc or BSc in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or IT.
• At least 2-3 years of operational experience in a mission control centre.
• Familiarity with SCOS-2000 or EGOS-CC, including MCS toolchain architecture.
• Understanding of ESA operations documentation and configuration control procedures.
• Experience with FOPTool, telemetry databases (ODB/MIB), and tool validation.
• Skilled in regression testing, versioning, and scripting basic validation routines.
• Basic understanding of PUS services and CCSDS standards.
• Comfortable with shift or console-based support coordination.
• Structured, detail-oriented approach to documentation and change control.
• Good communication skills for interface with engineers and controllers.
  
  

All candidates must be eligible to work in the EU.

Nice To Have

• Python scripting for automation of checks or trend reporting.
• Experience in legacy ground system support (MEX, XMM).
• Familiarity with anomaly tracking tools (e.g., JIRA, ARTS).
  
  

On Offer

• Relocation allowance: including a one-way flight ticket, transportation from the airport to a temporary hotel, and one month of paid accommodation while securing permanent housing.
• Hybrid working model.
• 30% subvention on Deutschland ticket.
• Gym membership discount.
• Participation in pension and health scheme.
• 30 days of holiday.
  
  

Relocation:

Darmstadt, Germany, offers a central location in Europe, making it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air, with Frankfurt Airport being one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.

Serco GMBH offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to Germany and work for ESOC.

De&i

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Serco GMBH is based on a culture where every voice is heard, and every employee feels valued. Working together as one team, we can enhance the experience of our people and teams, improve the value of our solutions to better serve the missions of our customers, and make an impact in our world.

About Serco

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the likes of ESA, CNES, EUMETSAT, EUSPA, ASI and NASA. We offer space capabilities across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies across Europe and the globe We work within the heart of the space sector so understand the challenges our customers face. When it comes to recruitment we are experts in sourcing the very best talent within space engineering, earth observation, satellite communications and cyber security. We have placed hundreds of people from post graduates through to C-suite executives into space agencies, satellite operators, manufacturers, system integrators, consultancies, earth observation/remote sensing, launch providers and much more.