Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Metop)

Leonardo UK Ltd

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DE - Darmstadt - EUMETSAT Until 8/29/2026 First posted June 30, 2026 Last posted June 30, 2026
Job description

Job Description:

We are looking for a Spacecraft Operations Engineer (SOE) with strong engineering skills and proven experience in satellite operations to support our customer EUMETSAT, based in Darmstadt.

As a full member of our dedicated Metop Operations team, you will deliver state-of-the-art spacecraft operations for the Metop series of satellites within the EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS), supporting the transition towards the next generation EPS-SG / Metop-SG programme.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Plan and execute routine and non-routine spacecraft operations, including recovery operations following anomalies

  • Investigate spacecraft anomalies, perform trend analysis, and monitor subsystem and instrument performance

  • Develop, validate, and maintain flight procedures and operations documentation

  • Contribute to the preparation, commissioning, and operational readiness of upcoming missions and activities

  • Design and validate innovative operational tools to enhance mission efficiency

  • Identify and support the implementation of system and process improvements within the team

  • Participate in simulation campaigns, training exercises, and rotational on-call support

Qualifications/Experience

  • You hold a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related area.

  • You have several years of experience working in spacecraft operations and operations preparation, including ground segment and spacecraft operations validation (e.g. SVTs) and simulations and training.

  • You have proven experience with spacecraft mission control systems for Earth observation missions, especially SCOS-2000


Essential Skills

  • System-level knowledge of ground and spacecraft (sub)systems;

  • Teamwork is key: Your positive and professional attitude.

  • You have a drive to succeed and a desire to grow professionally.

  • Proficiency in Python/ VB, etc.

  • Excellent communication skills.

  • Negotiation-level proficiency in English

Seniority:

Expert

Primary Location:

DE - Darmstadt - EUMETSAT

Contract Type:

Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Onsite
About this role

Summary

Manage spacecraft operations, investigate anomalies, develop procedures, and support satellite missions.

Job title

Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Metop)

Experience level

expert

Industry

space and satellite

Location requirements

Onsite in Darmstadt, Germany, no remote work allowed

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

Pythonground segmentspacecraft systemsSCOS-2000problem solving

Preferred skills

teamworkcommunicationnavigation systems

Specializations

spacecraft operationssatellite operationsground segmentmission control systemsEarth observation
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

64 Darmstadt, Germany

On-site City