Mission Operations Coordinator

Job Introduction

With a strong presence in Europe, Serco collaborates extensively with the European Space Agency (ESA), providing comprehensive services from earth observation data management to spacecraft control and flight dynamics. In collaboration with ESRIN, Serco has made significant contributions to various space missions. Our technical and scientific support has been pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of ESA's operations. By joining Serco's team at ESRIN, you will be part of a dynamic environment focused on innovation and excellence in space exploration and data management, contributing to ground breaking projects that shape the future of space technology.

The Difference You Will Make

You will contribute directly to some of Europe’s most exciting space programmes, from Earth observation and climate monitoring to satellite navigation and space safety. Your work will play a vital role in ensuring mission success, enabling better decision-making on Earth and driving innovation in orbit. Whether you’re helping managing spacecraft operations, analysing mission data, or supporting software and systems development, your expertise will help move Europe’s space ambitions forward.

Why Join Serco?

• Work in an international and diverse team environment, surrounded by top-tier scientists, engineers, and technical experts.

• Access continuous professional development and training opportunities tailored to the space sector.

• Be part of a company that values work-life balance, mutual respect, and a commitment to excellence.

• Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, innovative projects, and mission-critical systems in collaboration with major space agencies.

We are currently seeking an experienced and dynamic Mission Operations Engineer to join our Italian team. Join a ground-breaking European project at the forefront of satellite technology and climate research.

Main Responsibilities

Are you looking to secure a career in a public sector environment? We would love to hear from you! 

Objective 
The activity is aimed at providing PDGS (Payload Data Ground Segment) Missions Operations Technical Coordination. The successful candidate shall support ESA Operations Managers on end-to-end PDGS Operational Technical Coordination, according to applicable plans, processes and policies aiming to
 ensure the achievement of operational mission requirements and objectives.
 
Activity input 

• PDGS Design documentation
  PDGS Operations Concept Document
  Interface Control Documents
  

Activity output 

• Operational plans (Operations Preparation e Transfer To Operations included)
• Mission PDGS End to End Operational processes
• Technical Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
• Weekly/monthly management reports
• Mission-related content for ESA web pages
• Operational communications to users
• PDGS configuration management plan
• Deployment plans

Activity tasks

• Support ESA with in-depth technical knowledge/expertise on all aspects of then mission PDGS (this includes both routine operations and relationship with third parties and mission bodies)
• Support ESA during the mission PDGS operations preparation by (not exhaustive list): Contributing to the definition of operational plans (including Operations Preparation and Transfer To Operations) and supporting implementation (e.g.: definition and set-up of mission-specific contracts, activities coordination, etc.); Defining Mission PDGS End to End Operational processes; Setting-up operational tools; Be responsible for End to end monitoring of the PDGS performance and activities
• Monitor daily operations, prevent and control incidents (trends, risks, etc.) and ensure incidents resolution across the PDGS according to the procedures, service levels and quality standards agreed with the different operations teams/services
• When necessary, ensure problem instantiation, contribute to adequate anomaly root cause analysis and problem resolution and provide support (as expert) in the frame of Anomaly Review Board
• Support ESA with the generation of weekly/monthly management reporting (taking input from the various services, tools and systems)
• Support ESA on the elaboration of mission-related content for ESA web pages or operational communications to users
• Support ESA with the management of the industrial services operating the PDGS during routine phase (e.g.: Data reception, systematic processing, Mission planning, PDGS validation, mission-specific application maintenance), including participation in performance reviews
• Support operational end-to-end coordination among common services, mission specific services and third-party actors
• Support ESA with the overall coordination of the various phase-out activities conducted by the various operations teams/services at the end of the contract (in general, during the transition from phase E2 to phase F1), including participation in related Reviews
• Support ESA with the overall coordination of the various hand-over to the Heritage Missions PDGS (preparation and integration) activities conducted by the various operations teams/services, in general during the last months of Phase F1 and during the first months of Phase F2, including participation in related reviews
• Be responsible for overall configuration and documentation management within the PDGS, according to ESA processes and needs (including definition and maintenance of PDGS configuration management plan)
• Ensure, in collaboration with the various operations teams/services, optimisation of PDGS resources, identify potential bottlenecks and propose resource upgrade when necessary
• Contribute to the optimisation of end-to-end processes and improvement of service efficiency
• Contribute to the improvement of the PDGS and the adaptation to product and usage evolution (e.g. by proposing architecture or application changes)
• Coordinate release management, according with operational needs and maintenance/evolution plans
• Elaborate, maintain and execute deployment plans, according with operational needs and constraints, and in close coordination with operational service providers
• Prepare, plan and execute the Transfer To Operations for major PDGS and processor upgrades, ensuring service continuity (or minimal disruption) and close collaboration with the PDGS validation service and the operational teams/services 

Successful Candidate

Your skills:

• University degree or equivalent qualification in engineering or a related technical field
• Strong Project Management and Technical coordination experience
• Ability to plan and adhere to schedules effectively
• Relevant background in integration and validation test activities, preferably in Earth Observation Ground Segments
• Experience in managing system and software anomalies: reporting, analysis, classification, and resolution
• 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 and familiarity with PDGS architecture and services
• Understanding of service level agreements (SLA) 
• 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

Relocation :

Rome's central location in Italy offers excellent transportation links within the city and across the country. The city is well-connected by a network of highways and railways, with Ciampino Airport or Fiumicino, providing convenient access to international destinations.
 
Serco provides relocation support for all EU passport holders planning to move to Rome and join Serco Italia S.p.A. Serco applies smart working policy. The successful candidate can be requested to be on-site in ESRIN. 

On Offer :

• Competitive Salary.
• Great career opportunities in the Space industry
• Comprehensive package of benefits offered by the company, such as life insurance and health insurance.
• Engaging company events to foster team spirit.
• Hybrid working model to support work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work in an international environment.

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.

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.