Earth Explorer Spacecraft Operations Data Engineer (f/m/d)

Telespazio Germany is looking to complement their current Earth Observation Mission Operations team with additional engineering support, delivering services to ESA/ESOC for the Earth Explorer missions. This position is based at ESOC in Darmstadt. It is full-time and permanent and expected starting date will be around 01.01.2025

What You Will Focus on

The general activities to be supported by this service are:

• Maintain and update the Operational Database for Flying Earth Observation missions, ensuring data integrity and implementing updates based on change requests from the flight control team. Ensure the database remains fully aligned with evolving mission requirements. The role may evolve to include supporting the verification and analysis of reference databases provided by industry for missions in preparation.
• Support testing and validation of the Mission Control System (MCS), making sure systems are operational and meet mission requirements.
• Participation in the team Training Program.
• Initiate and coordinate the deployment of databases and other operational items under configuration control to the operational system environments
• Deliver status reports on the Operational Database, including updates on change requests and the development or maintenance of database support tools. 
• Develop and maintain operational documentation under configuration control
• Develop automated solutions as needed, ensuring efficient and accurate database management and deployment, aligned with service delivery assignments.
• Maintain and update operational tools used for interacting with and deploying the Database and other mission components, primarily developed in Python, Java, and Bash.

What You Bring

University degree or equivalent education in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Telecommunications Engineering.

Essential

• Knowledge of MS Office tool
• Proficiency with Git for version control, including experience with GitLab workflows and collaboration in a team development environment.
• Hands-on experience with Linux server administration, particularly with SUSE and Debian-based systems.
• Solid understanding of Low Earth Orbit (LEOP) spacecrafts operations, especially in the context of operations.
• Familiarity with complex control systems, preferably SCOS-2000, EGOS-CC or EPOCH IPS.
• Proficient in programming, design patterns, and algorithms, with a focus on writing modular and reusable code to enhance operational efficiency and flexibility. Proficiency in any programming language with object-oriented capabilities is preferred, with much of the work being done in Python.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a flexible way.
• Good Communication skills.
• Fluent in the English language.
• Strong command of Bash and tcsh shells for system navigation, monitoring processes, diagnosing issues, and implementing fixes.
• Basic understanding of space communication protocols, including knowledge of data packets, their structure, and transfer mechanisms, with a particular focus on the Packet Utilization Standard (PUS), is essential

Desirably

• Knowledge of Spacecraft operations with experience at ESOC or Eumetsat.
• Familiarity with MariaDB or other SQL languages along with knowledge of MySQL server configuration is advantageous, as is experience with the setup and optimization.
• Expertise in automation, focusing on creating modular, reusable code with an object-oriented approach, rather than task-specific scripts for individual use.
• Some experience dealing with external interfaces, e.g. Project, Industry.
• Satellite Validation tests experience will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of Database Management and version control systems, particularly DABYS 3.0+.
• Experience troubleshooting servers and complex systems, including setting up isolated test environments to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.

Furthermore

• CV in Europass format.
• Permission to work in the EU.