Ground Segment Engineer (ESA-ESRIN)

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. 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 team in Italy, we are currently searching for a skilled Ground Segment Engineer to join us at ESRIN, in Frascati, Rome. This position offers full time, permanent employment and aims to support our ongoing activities. The activity is aimed at providing specialised engineering support to the Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) of ESA Earth Explorers missions. 

Role Responsibility

As Ground Segment Engineer you will be responsible for:

Documentation:

• Review of documentation from various sources: ESA and Industry, during the project phases dealing with sub-systems implementation and testing. 
• Participation to Ground Segment Reviews and PDGS reviews organised either by ESA or by Industry.
• Support in review and preparation of technical documentation (e.g. PDGS validation plan, technical notes, test reports).
• Generation and maintenance of operational procedures, work instructions, and technical notes as needed during the project's lifetime.
• Contribution to the preparation and maintenance of the PDGS Integration and Validation Test Plan.
• Contribution to the preparation and maintenance of the PDGS Integration and Validation Test Specification.
• Preparation of Tests Procedures, Test Scripts, and Operational/Training documentation.
• Generation of technical notes whenever needed during the Project lifetime.

Testing and Validation:

• Definition and execution of validation test campaigns, analysis of test results, and reporting.
• Execution of the PDGS Integration and Validation tests.
• Analysis of the PDGS Integration and Validation test results and generation of test reports.
• Support to problems investigation, etc.
• Operations of the various supporting tools (e.g. Documentation Management System).
• Ad-hoc development of tools for the accomplishment of the PDGS testing and validation.

Operational Support:

• Support to PDGS daily operational activities.
• Support to PDGS monitoring and control (e.g. end-to-end production chain).
• Support to preparation of the Transfer To Operations of validated items.

Meetings and Reviews:

• Participation in PDGS internal meetings.
• Participation in Ground Segment Reviews and PDGS reviews organized by ESA or Industry.

Successful Candidate

• University degree or equivalent qualification in engineering or a related technical field.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in an engineering environment
• Strong experience in integration and validation test activities, preferably in Earth Observation Ground Segments.
• Ability to plan and adhere to testing schedules effectively.
• Experience in managing system and software anomalies: reporting, analysis, classification, and resolution.
• Programming skills for developing tools for PDGS testing and validation.
• Good knowledge of Linux Operating Systems (e.g., RedHat) and shell scripting.
• Understanding of Database Management Systems (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL).
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and share/acquire knowledge.
• Proactive problem-solving attitude.

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of Earth Observation satellite data product formats.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards.
• Familiarity with ESA's Earth Explorers missions (including instruments) and processes related to PDGS development.

Package Description

Joining Serco Italy’s amazing team offers:

• Competitive Salary 
• Great career opportunities in the Space industry
• Competitive Salary
• Corporate Benefits Package
• Support provided to EU Nationals requiring relocation – Information available upon request
• Company events
• International environment

About the Company

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. 

About Serco

Serco manages the Earth Observation technical infrastructure at ESA's European Space Research Institute (ESRIN), which includes the Data Centre; Earth Observation Data Preservation systems; Antenna and associated Laboratory; the Control Room for Earth Observation Payloads (CREOP); and the Virtual Reality Theatre.

This managed service is part of the wider Earth Observation Payload Data Network through which ESA’s Earth Observation data is distributed worldwide.

Important:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing documents to verify your identity and employment eligibility, as required by law.

Applicants are reminded that they will be requested to produce such documentation during the recruitment process.

Please contact a member of the recruitment team if you require further details of acceptable types of documentation required for verification of identity and work authorization. 

Data Protection:

For more information on how the personal data in your application is process, please see the link Data Protection policy here. 

Serco European Agencies