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 client, ESOC, we are looking for a skilled Flight Operations Engineer join our team distributed over the ESOC site, in Germany.
Main Responsibilities
Step into the heart of space operations.
As a Flight Operations Engineer, you’ll become a vital part of our Copernicus Operations (COP-2) Team, where every day brings you closer to the pulse of Earth observation satellites orbiting above us.
Your journey begins at the mission control system, the nerve centre of our operations. Here, you’ll command both ground and space segments, ensuring that each satellite performs flawlessly. Whether it’s routine manoeuvres or responding to unexpected anomalies, you’ll be the one guiding these spacecraft through their missions.
Before a satellite even leaves Earth, your expertise will shape its future. During the pre-launch phase, you’ll help configure and test the operational systems, preparing them for the rigors of space. You might even design tools or methods that make these operations smoother and more efficient.
When launch day arrives, you’ll be on-console, immersed in Mission Readiness Tests, System Validation, simulations, and the critical Launch and Early Orbit Phase. You’ll follow established procedures, but your quick thinking and precision will be key to success.
And when things don’t go as planned? You’ll be the first responder. Whether it’s a glitch in the ground systems or a satellite anomaly, you’ll take swift corrective action, applying contingency procedures to safeguard the spacecraft and maintain service continuity for users around the globe.
In the rare event of a major issue, you’ll escalate it through the proper channels, ensuring that every decision is backed by experience and protocol.
Beyond the console, your role expands into developing systems, refining procedures, and contributing to the continuous evolution of our operations — all under the guidance of your Team Leader.
Successful Candidate
Your story begins at two key locations: the Serco Operations site and ESOC, the European Space Operations Centre. While your presence will be needed on-site, there’s flexibility — with the Team Leader’s approval, some days can be worked in a hybrid mode.
To thrive in this role, you’ll need a solid technical foundation — perhaps a BSc in IT, Telecommunications, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering — or equivalent hands-on experience that’s shaped your understanding of complex systems.
You’re no stranger to computers. You know your way around operating systems, and your PC literacy is second nature. If you’ve dabbled in Python scripting, that’s a welcome bonus, it’ll help you automate and enhance the tools you’ll use daily.
But technical skills alone aren’t enough. You’re someone who brings order and discipline to everything you do. You think in terms of solutions, not problems, and you’re comfortable working in an environment where procedures are king — because in space operations, precision is everything.
When the pressure rises, you stay calm. You act with clarity and autonomy, even in high-stress situations. That’s what makes you reliable, someone the team can count on when it matters most.
You’ll be joining a tight-knit operations team, working on a rotating shift schedule that includes weekends and public holidays. Flexibility and team spirit are essential, especially when plans change at short notice due to external factors.
And finally, you’ll need to be fluent in English, the language that connects our international team and ensures smooth communication across every mission.
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.
- Private pension scheme.
- Corporate Benefits discounts.
- 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
Data Protection:
For more information on how the personal data is processed, please see the link Data Protection policy here.