Spacecraft Operations Engineer
Job Requisition ID: 20322
Date Posted: 13 February 2026
Closing Date: 6 March 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: Internal \& External
Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite
Directorate: Operations
Workplace:Redu, BE
Grade Band: A2 - A4
Location
ESEC, Redu, BelgiumDescription
Spacecraft Operations Engineer in the Redu Spacecraft Operations Section, Earth Observation Missions Division, Mission Operations Department, Directorate of Operations (D/OPS).
The Earth Observation Missions Division is responsible for the management, definition and implementation of spacecraft operations and the flight operations segment, typically from the beginning of phase B through in-flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of the mission.Duties
You will initially be assigned to the SmallSat Missions Operations Unit within the Earth Observation Missions Division and will report hierarchically to the Head of Section and functionally to the missions Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM). The Section is currently entrusted with the satellite operations of PROBA-1, PROBA-2, PROBA-V and PROBA-3.
In addition, you will support the Head of the Redu Spacecraft Operations Section with the evolution of ESEC and the execution of the operations-related activities at ESEC.
Your tasks will include:
assisting the SOMs in the definition, preparation and execution of the missions operations assigned to the Unit including nominal, special and contingency operations, spacecraft and ground segment anomaly investigation and resolution, performance evaluation and reporting;
performing the role of Acting SOM when delegated;
assisting the SOMs in the specification, development, validation, maintenance and evolution of the ground segment systems and operational products required to conduct mission operations;
interfacing with other areas within the Agency, industry, the user community, external centres and/or agencies for all aspects relating to your area of responsibility;
providing expert and functional support to ESA programmes and activities, for example as Operations Architect, in the area of mission operations, ground and system validation, and space-to-ground interfaces in line with ESA’s matrix organisation;
providing support to the SOMs/Head of Unit in discharging the Unit’s mandate and preparing for new missions to be operated by the Unit/Division. This may include participation in reviews, preparations and operations of other missions delegated to the Unit, the Division or the Department, and support to other D/OPS or ESA activities.
providing ad hoc satellite operations and ground segment performance reports;
providing support, with the ESEC Operations Team, to the operations preparation, system validation tests, launch and commissioning phases.
Technical competencies
General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
Knowledge of mission, spacecraft and/or payload operations
Understanding of the development and maintenance of ground infrastructure and/or software systems
Knowledge of large operations and associated software systems, preferably space-based
Ability to evaluate performance at mission levelBehavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebookEducation
A master's degree in an engineering discipline is required for this post.Additional requirements
You should:
have a minimum of three years of direct experience in flight operations and ground operations systems engineering;
have demonstrated knowledge of the ESA operations environment and its working methodologies;
have a demonstrated ability to analyse and sum up technical and programmatic information in a manner resulting in minimum cost/acceptable risk solutions;
have demonstrated experience interfacing with external and international partners for matters relating to instrument operations;
demonstrate a strong capacity for teamwork;
have a high level of self-motivation and autonomy and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
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