Job Introduction
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.
ESO (European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere) is a leading institution for astronomy research, operating some of the world’s most advanced observatories. With locations in Chile and Germany, ESO provides scientists worldwide with access to cutting-edge instruments and data, enabling them to explore the universe and answer fundamental questions about its origins, evolution, and structure. ESO's missions focus on ensuring the continued operation and enhancement of its astronomical archives, maintaining high-quality data accessibility, and supporting the global scientific community in their research efforts.
On behalf of our customer ESO, we are looking for Archive Operations Engineers to join our team in Garching, Munich. Your mission is to ensure the effective management and maintenance of ESO's data archives, supporting the astronomical community by ensuring data availability, integrity, and accessibility for research purposes.
Main Responsibilities
- Monitor and troubleshoot the transfer of raw data from observatories to and from Garching.
- Oversee data ingestion into archives and ensure smooth data flow from observatories.
- Monitor the performance of the processing cluster and data storage systems.
- Provide first-line support to ESO internal and external archive users.
- Maintain operational schedules, documentation, and procedures for archive management.
- Support data migration to higher density media and backup solutions.
- Collaborate with ESO’s IT, software development teams, and other stakeholders to resolve system issues and improve data management processes.
- Develop and maintain scripts to support operations, including documentation and troubleshooting procedures.
Successful Candidate
Do you think you are the person we are looking for? See below what experience or knowledge you should bring:
- A minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in managing and troubleshooting complex data systems in a Linux environment
- Strong experience in scripting and using SQL for data management tasks
- Proficient in Python, Bash, or other commonly used scripting languages
- Good understanding of basic SQL, including SELECT statements, joins, and constraints
- Ability to work largely unsupervised and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve issues efficiently
- Excellent communication and cooperative skills, able to liaise effectively with both internal and external stakeholders
- Experience with astronomical data products and archives is desirable, but not mandatory
- Fluent in English
Nice to have:
- Experience with data storage, backup, and recovery systems
- Familiarity with the ALMA or La Silla Paranal Observatories' data products
- Knowledge of data replication and high-density storage solutions
- Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques for scientific data
All candidates must be eligible to work in the EU.
On Offer:
- Relocation allowance upon providing receipts
- Hybrid working model
- 30% subvention on Deutschland ticket
- Gym membership discount
- Participation in pension and health scheme
- 30 days of holiday
Relocation :
Garching/Munich, 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 Munich Airport being one of the busiest and most well-connected airports in Europe, facilitating easy international travel.
Serco Services GmbH offers relocation support for all candidates eligible to work in the EU that are planning to relocate to Germany and work for ESO.
About the Company
Serco GmbH has established itself as a strong service provider in the German market, delivering high-quality engineering, technical, and management services across a variety of sectors. From its strategic position in Darmstadt, Serco supports critical operations for space, satellite, and technology projects, providing expertise in ground systems management, data processing, and mission logistics. Serco’s comprehensive service portfolio, backed by decades of experience, ensures operational excellence and efficiency, making it a trusted partner for both commercial and governmental clients in Germany. This strong foundation allows Serco GmbH to drive innovation and deliver value across the industry.
Why should you join Serco ?
At Serco not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play.
Meaningful and vital work - You’ll contribute to methodologically intercepting challenges whilst achievements will also be recognised and celebrated.
A world of opportunity - You’ll be wholeheartedly supported with development and career progression
Great people - You’ll become an integral member of a well-defined and supportive team who believe passionately in the value of our work. We are a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
We are diverse and inclusive organisation
At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential and we are committed to supporting the needs of all our colleagues. It’s a mix of people from different backgrounds, experiences and opinion that keeps our culture strong and vibrant.
We believe in equity so we strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their abilities in an interview. We also welcome a conversation about any adjustments that would make the interview process more accessible for you. Wherever possible we are open to discussions around flexible working and we operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas.
In the UK we are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader in the government’s scheme and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard; in Belgium we are partner of Diversicom and member of Charter der Vielfalt in Germany.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to The Serco Europe Recruitment Team
Important
Any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing documents to verify your identity and employment eligibility, as required by law.
Please contact the recruitment team if needed
Data Protection:
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