Description

Spacecraft Operations Engineer in the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division, Mission Operations Department, Directorate of Operations.

The Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Mission Division is responsible for the design, implementation and operations of the mission operations ground segment and the spacecraft operations for Science and selected Space Safety programme missions in the area of operations, typically from the start of phase B through in-flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of mission.

Duties

You will initially be assigned to the XMM-Newton Mission Operations Unit within the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division, which supports XMM/Integral and other selected Science missions not operated at ESOC (such as Smile and CHEOPS). You will report hierarchically to the Head of Unit and functionally to the mission’s Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM), if different from the Head of Unit.

 Your tasks will include the following:

• Assisting the SOM in the definition, preparation and execution of the mission operations assigned to the Unit, including nominal, special and contingency operations, spacecraft and ground segment anomaly investigation and resolution, performance evaluation and reporting;
• Acting as SOM when the role is delegated;
• Assisting the SOM 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 related to your area of responsibility;
• If required, providing expertise and support to other areas within the Agency, industry, the user community, external centres and/or agencies in the domains of mission operations, ground segment and system validation, and space-to-ground interfaces;
• Providing support to the SOM/Head of Unit in discharging the Unit’s mandate and preparing for new missions to be operated by the Unit(s)/Division. This may include participation in reviews, preparations and operations of other missions delegated to the Unit, the Division or the Department, and support for other Directorate or ESA activities.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education

A Master's degree in engineering or physics is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Experience in both spacecraft platform and subsystem operations is required. Experience with ground segment operations, mission planning and scheduling aspects would be considered an asset.

Flexibility, adaptability and task prioritisation will be necessary to deal with a multi-subject/multi-project operational environment.