Operations and Ground Segment Engineer

Operations and Ground Segment Engineer

Location:

Darmstadt, Germany /
Noordwijk, Netherlands Final date to receive applications: 6 February 2026 Reference number:
0415

Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? Join an international group with a proven track record in Space Engineering and work on projects that will shape the future of navigation technology.

We are looking for an Operations & Ground Segment Engineer to work at ESA’s premises in either Darmstadt, Germany (ESOC) or Noordwijk, The Netherlands (ESTEC).

You will collaborate closely with the three Mission Teams (Celeste, OpSTAR, Genesis) mainly based at ESTEC, while the technical lead for the service operates from ESOC, giving you the opportunity to engage with experts across multiple sites.

Future

NAV programme was launched to consolidate efforts in innovative Navigation technology. Under this initiative, Celeste (formerly LEO‑PNT) aims to demonstrate the potential of navigation satellites in low Earth orbit. OpSTAR is an in‑orbit demonstrator that will test laser‑based optical links for future satellite navigation (PNT), targeting picosecond time sync and millimetre‑level ranging between satellites and ground stations. Genesis combines four geodetic techniques in one satellite to contribute to a highly improved reference frame of Earth.

The European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) base in Darmstadt, Germany. As the main control centre for ESA, ESOC manages the launch and early orbit phases of its missions and is globally recognised for its research into ground system engineering, satellite navigation, space debris studies and more.

The European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) is ESA’s base in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. As ESA’s largest test centre, ESTEC is responsible for the majority of space technology and spacecraft development through varying phases of production.

• Define the mission operational concept ensuring that operational requirements are addressed from the earliest project phases.
• Coordinate with ESA teams throughout project milestones, actively participate in reviews, generate and discuss RIDs, and follow up on resulting actions.
• Contribute to system activities to ensure operational aspects are managed from early phases.
• Maintain alignment of operational activities across all mission segments in close collaboration with the system team.
• Oversee operations and ground segment services throughout design, implementation, and delivery, ensuring consistency with the operational concept.
• Perform any additional tasks necessary to support the delivery of Space and Ground Segment operational activities.
• Liaise with the ESA Technical Responsible to ensure effective service provision.

• University Degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Experience in the definition and implementation of Operational Concept and Operational Activities of Space Missions.
• Ability to manage requirements, including breakdown and tracing at different levels.
• Experience in monitoring industrial services (SLAs through KPIs), including risk assessment and management.
• Experience in AIV.
• Experience in the space business and in the GNSS field.
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Solution‑oriented mindset, with customer‑focused communication skills.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

• You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
• We encourage everyone to think outside the box and push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role offers a deeper understanding of the industry.
• You will be part of an organisation that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
• Benefits include competitive remuneration packages, unique career opportunities (including working in other countries), access to training and development programmes, and flexible relocation support.

We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can bring their best to the recruitment process.