Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Description

On behalf of the Italian subsidiary of the group – SSC Italy – we are seeking passionate individuals with a strong background in space engineering and experience in real time operations to support one of our customers in Italy.

If you are eager to make a significant impact in the space industry, apply now and embark on an extraordinary space journey with us.

Responsibilities

The Spacecraft Operations Engineer (SOE) is responsible for the execution and monitoring of spacecraft operations, ensuring nominal performance across all subsystems. The SOE also carries primary responsibility for mission planning and flight dynamics activities, including maneuver planning, orbit determination, and scheduling of all spacecraft activities. The SOE shall perform duties across three principal domains: Spacecraft Subsystem Operations, Mission Planning, and Flight Dynamics.

Spacecraft Subsystem Operations:

• Perform real-time monitoring and trend analysis of spacecraft telemetry to assess spacecraft health, safety, and performance.
• Generate, validate, and execute telecommand sequences, timelines, and scripts.
• Maintain and update operational procedures, contingency plans, and recovery checklists.
• Participate in anomaly investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
• Provide inputs to the SOM and engineering teams for subsystem status reports and performance reviews.
• Maintain operational logs, pass summaries, and system configuration records.

Mission Planning:

• Develop and maintain the Mission Operations Plan and detailed Activity Planning Schedules for all mission phases.
• Prepare and validate Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Long-Term mission plans, ensuring all spacecraft activities (e.g., payload operations, maintenance, data dumps) are compatible with spacecraft resources and constraints.
• Coordinate with payload operations, ground operations, and flight dynamics personnel to ensure consistent planning data flow and schedule integrity.
• Ensure proper deconfliction of ground station resources and activity timelines.
• Update and maintain planning tools and configuration baselines within the mission planning system (MPS).
• Generate and deliver plan products (e.g., command loads, timeline summaries, planning notes) in accordance with mission timelines.
• Support the development of operational simulations and rehearsal campaigns to validate planning assumptions and procedures.

Flight Dynamics:

• Support orbit determination and propagation activities using mission-specific tools and data (e.g., TLE data, onboard GNSS).
• Plan, prepare, and validate spacecraft maneuvers (e.g., orbit corrections, attitude reorientations, station-keeping, collision avoidance).
• Generate maneuver command sets, validate through simulation, and coordinate approval through the SOM and Flight Director.
• Conduct post-maneuver analysis to verify achieved ΔV, attitude performance, and trajectory accuracy.
• Maintain and archive all flight dynamics data products and performance records.
• Contribute to the maintenance and validation of flight dynamics software and operational procedures.
• Support contingency and emergency orbit recovery operations if required.

Requirements

• MSc in Aerospace or Space or Telecommunication Engineering or IT.
• Proven experience  – at least 3 years – in flight operations, including direct involvement in LEOP and commissioning activities.
• Knowledge of flight dynamics and mission planning.
• Strong knowledge of satellite subsystems.
• Familiarity with flight dynamics and mission planning tools and ground control systems.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in time-critical environments.
• Advanced level of English and excellent communication skills.
• Experience in LEO missions will be a plus.
• Provide rotating shift coverage according to the mission operations plan.
• Participate in the on-call roster for anomaly resolution and off-nominal event support outside of normal shift hours.
• Be available for extended hours during critical phases such as Launch & Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), major maneuvers, or spacecraft emergencies.

Legal and Security Requirements

• Applicants must be legally allowed to work in the EU and hold a European citizenship. Evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.
• Copy of passport and degree(s) certificate.
• Good conduct certificate from the country where currently resident.
• Furthermore, in view of the nature of the work, all potential employees will undergo stringent reference checks.

Location

The work will be performed from a Control Centre located in Rome from where several satellites composing a constellation will be operated.

Contract

• Competitive remuneration package, recognizing the value of your skills and expertise.
• Unique career opportunities, including the possibility of working in other countries with our SSC Group.
• Personalized training and development programmes.

To be considered for this Position

Prior to 2025-12-15, please apply via our Job Application form.

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