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Astrophysics Missions Spacecraft Controller

Summary

Monitors and controls spacecraft for astrophysics missions, performing routine operations, troubleshooting anomalies, and ensuring 24/7 mission continuity using ground station systems and Linux.

Job Description:

As part of the new ESOC FOE Astrophysics missions’ contract, due to start on 01/01/2027, we are seeking to expand our Spacecraft Controller Service Team.

Key Responsibilities

The general activities to be supported by this service are:

  • Execution of end-to-end routine and contingency operations for the spacecraft, including:

    • Preparation, monitoring and remote control of the spacecraft.

    • Monitoring of telemetry data, health checks of spacecraft equipment, preparation and execution of operations in accordance with established procedures, and verification of results.

    • Monitoring ground station passes and ensuring successful command uplink and telemetry downlink.

    • Responding to alarms and out-of-limit conditions and performing predefined recovery actions when required.

    • Troubleshooting using established procedures and preparation of anomaly and operational reports.

  • Supporting 24/7 routine operations, including night, weekend and holiday shifts, for missions requiring continuous coverage.

  • Maintaining mission logs and performing shift handovers to ensure continuity of operations.

  • Coordinating with Analysts, SOEs, SOMs and on-call engineers during anomaly investigations, recovery activities and special operations.

Additional tasks as defined by the supervisor.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

  • A university degree in a Science or IT-related discipline (electronics, physics, computing, programming, process control, ground station operations) is preferred.

  • A strong technical-oriented background.

  • Good communication skills, fluency in English, both in speaking and writing

  • Ability to work autonomously according to high level guidelines and to work in international teams

  • A good working knowledge of MS Office Tools

  • Collaborative and team worker

  • Solution orientated

  • Knowledge of ground segment elements (mission control systems, simulators, satellite database, mission planning, flight dynamics, etc.)

  • A working knowledge of Linux

Desirable Skills

  • Some experience of shift work would be an advantage

  • Previous spacecraft controller experience

Furthermore

  • Shiftwork

  • Start date 01/10/2026 or 01/01/2027

  • EU applications only.

  • CV in latest Europass format

Seniority:

Junior

Primary Location:

DE - Darmstadt - ESOC

Contract Type:

Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Onsite
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