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 Optical and Quantum Communication Engineer to join our team distributed over the ESOC site, in Germany.
Please note this is a 6-month contract.
Main Responsibilities
The services required in the domain of optical and quantum engineering are defined as follows:
- Technical requirements collection and definition
- Technical solution review, analysis, assessment and validation during their development lifecycle
- Technical supervision of development activities
- Elaboration, proposition and presentation of new technical concepts to close technology gaps.
- Monitoring of applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise.
- Performing technical calculations: e.g.
- Quantum key distribution and optical communication link budgets
- adaptive optics techniques for atmospheric turbulence mitigation
- end-to-end and optical telescope system performance
- telescope pointing precision
- Free space optical communication experience
- Reporting on allocated activities in writing and during regular meetings
- Fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, with the emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures.
The service provider shall deliver the above services, (depending on the phase of the project) primarily to:
- ESA projects, programs and general studies in the area of optics and space safety throughout all project phases.
- Feasibility studies, project reviews and technical evaluations.
- The IZN-1 robotic optical ground station on Tenerife.
Successful Candidate
Do you think you are the person we are looking for? See below what experience or knowledge you should bring:
- Quantum key distribution and quantum communication
- Free space optical communication
- ground station equipment handling
- calibration procedures and organisation with external suppliers.
- experience in optical and photonic systems
- participation in Ground Station systems and subsystems related meetings to share information with other stakeholders.
- preparation and presentation of the output of the services (analysis, finding, etc.)
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
Data Protection:
For more information on how the personal data is processed, please see the link Data Protection policy here.