Job Introduction
Serco has made significant contributions at ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, supporting a wide range of space missions and projects. Serco provides essential engineering, technical, and management services, playing a key role in logistics and operational support for missions. Their expertise in spacecraft operations, ground systems, and data processing has earned them recognition, including 'Best in Domain' awards from ESA. Their long-standing partnership with ESA reflects their commitment to excellence and innovation in the space sector, ensuring successful mission outcomes and advancing space exploration.
On behalf of our customer the European Space Agency, we are looking for Spacecraft Controller (Astrophysics). You would be working on-site at ESOC’s site in Darmstadt.
Main Responsibilities
This position forms part of the frontline spacecraft operations team for ESA astrophysics missions. As a Spacecraft Controller, you will ensure safe and efficient execution of telecommands and monitoring of spacecraft systems during live passes, contributing directly to mission success during routine and contingency operations.
- Monitor spacecraft health and status during real-time operational passes
- Execute telecommands and verify telemetry in accordance with FOP
- Respond to alerts and anomalies, escalating to SOEs or engineers as needed
- Maintain console logs and anomaly reports post-pass
- Track pass timelines, DSN/ESTRACK interfaces, and automation sequences
- Ensure safe-mode and recovery operations are properly followed
- Verify on-board system status across power, thermal, AOCS, and payload
- Operate within the constraints of uplink schedules and visibility windows
- Contribute to operations readiness testing and scenario rehearsals
- Support LEOP, contingency, and eclipse monitoring periods
Successful Candidate
Do you think you are the person we are looking for? See below what experience or knowledge you should bring:
- BSc in Engineering, Physics, or Technical discipline (MSc desirable)
- 2+ years in real-time spacecraft operations (console or SPACON role)
- Familiar with SCOS-2000/EGOS-CC operation environments
- Understanding of TT&C, spacecraft automation, and operations safety constraints
- Knowledge of satellite telemetry formats and packet handling
- Strong situational awareness and calm under operational pressure
- Experience with anomaly detection and first-level response
- Able to work in rotating shifts (24/7 support)
- Comfortable operating procedures in both nominal and emergency cases
- Good communication and handover logging discipline
All candidates must be eligible to work in the EU.
Nice to have:
- Support to planetary missions (e.g. MEX, JUICE, INTEGRAL)
- ESTRACK pass planning familiarity
- Training certification in ESA real-time control room operations
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
About the Company
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.
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
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